Appendiceal pseudomyxoma peritonei in a pregnant woman

Abstract

One in 1000 cancers occur during pregnancy. Epithelial tumors of the appendix occur in approximately 1% of all colorectal tumors, and the occurrence of this neoplasm during pregnancy is extremely rare. We report an unusual case of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) in a 41-year-old full-term pregnant woman. Cesarean section was carried out, and the abdomen was found to contain an appendiceal mucinous tumor with large volume PMP. This case illustrates the incidental nature of the disease and its occurrence in a pregnant woman with no clinical features during the antenatal period. A review of recent literature is also documented. Pseudomyxoma peritonei is commonly discovered during surgery for other conditions, and a high index of suspicion is required to make a diagnosis. Diagnostic modalities such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI can provide some evidence for PMP, but the definitive diagnosis is only made laparoscopically or by exploratory laparotomy.