Pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum is a pathology characterized by an accumulation of mucus that reorganizes over time.
What does that mean?
The term was proposed by the scientist Werth in 1884. It was originally applied to cases of secondary lesion provoked by a cyst rupture. Over time, it was possible to find out that pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum causes the movement of substances in the appendix into the cavity, which, in turn, provokes a breakthrough in the urinary stream or bile.
Scientists have found that mucus contamination occurs due to spontaneous ruptures due to excessive stretching of the wall or a decrease in its thickness, as well as during surgery: removal of a cyst or appendix.
And under the microscope?
When examining the cavity at high magnification, it can be seen that the pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum is filled with a kind of serous substance, in which mucus is mixed. This initiates inflammation, as a result of which deformation of the walls occurs:
- thickening;
- drainage;
- wrinkling.
In some cases, the surface turns into a velvet-like, while inhemorrhages appear in some places. With the development of pathology, intestinal loops, omentum and stomach are soldered. Organs lose the mobility necessary for normal functioning.
Studying the damaged area under a microscope, you can see that in the cells where the mucus is located, there are layers of tissue, which include an infiltrate. The epithelium in such altered cells is:
- cubic;
- flattened.
The composition of diseased cells changes over time, this is determined by the stage of the pathology. With the diagnosis of “pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum”, cells appear in the mucus:
- lymphocytes;
- fibroblasts;
- multi-core giants;
- polymorphic leukocytes;
- histocytes;
- columnar epithelium.
The latter is capable of being implanted into the peritoneum. It penetrates into this organ through a perforation. It is due to the proliferation of the epithelium that peritoneal pseudomyxoma was classified as a neoplastic disease, the symptoms of which are generally not obvious. The process is sluggish, supported by mucus, considered inflammatory.
A tumor is scary?
Tumours of the peritoneum are of two types:
- primary;
- secondary.
From malignant medicine more often captures precisely metastatic, that is, secondary. As for the primary ones, the pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum also belongs to them. Symptoms of the disease at first are completely invisible. With the development of pathologycells spread over the surface of the peritoneum without affecting neighboring organs. This is a key feature of the described cancer. The method of distribution of infected cells is diffuse.
In the case when, in addition to the omentum, other tissues are also affected, they say that peritoneal pseudomyxoma is diagnosed, the prognosis of which is disappointing. This is largely due to the fact that the pathology is usually detected against the background of a previously detected oncological disease in other organs.
Diagnosis
Pseudomyxoma peritoneum is usually diagnosed by laparotomy. It is prescribed for the following symptoms:
- abdominal pain (usually dull);
- abdominal enlargement for no apparent reason.
This happens due to the accumulation of fluids in the tissues of the organ.
Highlight:
- limited defeat;
- pseudomyxoglobulosis.
How is this happening?
As a rule, the disease manifests itself against the background of a ruptured cyst. This is due to the fact that the breakthrough causes penetration into the abdominal cavity not only of mucus, but also of the epithelium. Its cells have the unique ability to implant themselves into the tissues they land on. Over time, reborn places also begin to produce mucus.
As a rule, the diagnosis of "peritoneal pseudomyxoma" means that the disease is malignant. Pathologies are superficial, do not lead to disruption of the functioning of internal systems and organs. Pseudomyxoma is mobile, it is characterized by a "syndromeshaking." Today, the only effective method for diagnosing a disease is surgery, during which tissue samples are obtained. Confirmation of pathology is provided by biopsy.
What to expect?
It is necessary to be prepared for the fact that when making a diagnosis of "pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum", the treatment is surgery. No other effective ways to deal with pathology have yet been invented. If the growth is benign, it will have to be excised, considering where the tissue is still he althy.
When a pathology degenerates into a malignant one, only those who are ready to go for a radical removal get a chance for a cure. In this case, the prognosis is unfavorable. A complete recovery can be expected in the case of a benign tumor process, but after rebirth, even surgery is not able to completely block the processes of production and accumulation of mucus.
Not always doctors are able to accurately determine whether malignancy has already occurred. This is detected during a histological examination, which may show the absence of malignant cells in a tissue sample taken, but cannot guarantee that they are not present in the body at all.
When diagnosing "pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum", treatment is chosen, assuming that the tumor has already passed malignancy. This is due to the high frequency of relapses, invasions.
What to do?
Before you figure out what are the signs of pathology in the diagnosis of "pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum" (last stage),first you need to clarify, radiation therapy and chemical therapy have shown ineffectiveness in the fight against the disease.
At the moment, there is no specific treatment for this disease. The simple removal of mucus has proven to be ineffective, since the cells that have invaded the epithelium continue to produce it.
It is believed that good results can be achieved with radiation therapy, when the affected tissues are irradiated with platinum, gold isotopes.
Without proper treatment, a sick person dies in one or two years. In some cases, the course of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of fistulas on the skin.
Important nuances
Statistics say that pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum occurs in approximately 1% of patients, therefore it belongs to the category of extremely rare. Its danger lies in latent course, atypical development and unfavorable prognosis.
In some cases, the development of pathology occurs against the background of appendicular mucin. Among the symptoms that make it possible to suspect oncology is bowel obstruction.
The following types of mucin are characteristic of the disease:
- Free.
- Deposits. Distinguish between large and small. They fit quite tightly to the peritoneal surface. In the deposits, inflammatory processes occur and mesothelial cells are present. In some cases, fibroblasts and capillaries are found here. But non-plastic cells in most cases can not be detected.
- Pools. These masses usually have collagenized tissue as their shell. In sciencesuch formations are called separated mucin.
Who to trust?
In recent years, several Israeli clinics have appeared that guarantee a complete cure for cancer. As a rule, such organizations do not make any official promises, but make a catchy advertisement, instilling hope in patients and their relatives.
Remember that it is necessary to choose medical institutions after carefully studying the documentation, as well as the reviews of those who actually underwent treatment there. Beware of unscrupulous doctors and poor quality services.
