Pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum is a pathology that is characterized by the accumulation of mucus, which undergoes reorganization over time.
What does it mean?
The term was proposed by the scientist Werth in 1884. It was originally applied to cases of secondary damage provoked by a cyst breakthrough. Over time, it was possible to find out that the pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum becomes the cause of the movement of substances in the appendix, which, in turn, provokes a breakthrough in the urinary stream or bile.
Scientists have found that seeding with mucus 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 studying the cavity with a large increase, it can be noted that the pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum is filled with a kind of serous substance, in which the mucus is interfered. This initiates inflammation, due to which the deformation of the walls occurs:
- thickening;
- drainage;
- puckering.
In some cases, the surface turns into a similar velvet, with hemorrhages appearing in separate places. With the development of pathology, the intestinal loops, omentum and stomach are soldered. Bodies lose mobility necessary for normal functioning.
Studying the damaged area under a microscope, you can notice 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:
The composition of cells affected by the disease changes over time, this is determined by the stage of pathology. With the diagnosis of “pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum” cells appear in the mucus:
- lymphocytes;
- fibroblasts;
- multi-core giants;
- polymorphic white blood cells;
- histiocytes;
- cylindrical epithelium.
The latter is able to implant in the peritoneum. It penetrates into this organ through a perforation hole. It was due to the proliferation of the epithelium that was attributed to the category of tumor diseases of the pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum, the symptoms of which are generally not obvious. The process is sluggish, supported by mucus, is considered inflammatory.
Is a tumor scary?
Peritoneal tumors are divided into two types:
Of malignant medicine, it is often metastatic, that is, secondary, that is fixed. 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 pathology, the spread of cells occurs on the surface of the peritoneum without affecting neighboring organs. This is a key feature of the cancer described. The method for spreading infected cells is diffuse.
In the case when, in addition to the omentum, other tissues are also affected, they say that a pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum is diagnosed, the prognosis of which is disappointing. This is largely due to the fact that pathology is usually detected against the background of a previously discovered cancer in other organs.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of “pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum” is usually made with laparotomy. Assign it with the following symptoms:
- abdominal pain (usually dull);
- increased abdominal volume for no apparent reason.
This happens due to the accumulation of fluids in the tissues of the organ.
Allocate:
- limited lesion;
- pseudomyxoglobulosis.
How does this happen?
As a rule, the disease manifests itself against the background of a ruptured cyst. This is due to the fact that a breakthrough causes penetration into the abdominal cavity not only of mucus, but also of the epithelium. His cells have a unique ability to implant in the tissue on which they are. Over time, degenerated places also begin to produce mucus.
As a rule, the diagnosis of “pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum” means that the disease is malignant. Pathologies belong to the number of superficial, do not lead to disruption of the functioning of internal systems and organs. Pseudomyxoma is mobile, it is characterized by "trembling syndrome." Nowadays, the only effective method for diagnosing the disease is surgery, during which tissue samples are obtained. Confirmation of the pathology is provided by a biopsy.
What to expect?
It is necessary to be prepared for the fact that when a diagnosis of “pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum” is made, treatment is an operation. Other effective ways to combat pathology have not yet been invented. If the tumor is benign, it will have to be cut, given where the tissue is still healthy.
With the degeneration of the pathology into a malignant chance of cure, only those who are ready to go for a radical removal get a cure. Moreover, the prognosis is unfavorable. A full recovery can be expected in the case of a benign tumor process, but after rebirth, even surgical intervention is not able to completely block the processes of production and accumulation of mucus.
Doctors are not always able to determine exactly whether malignancy has already occurred. This is revealed during a histological examination, which can show the absence of malignant cells in the taken tissue sample, but cannot guarantee that they are not present in the body at all.
With a diagnosis of “pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum,” treatment is chosen, suggesting that the tumor has already undergone malignancy. This is due to the high frequency of relapses, invasion.
What to do?
Before understanding what the signs of pathology are in the diagnosis of “pseudomyxoma of the peritoneum” (last stage), it is first necessary to clarify that radiation therapy and chemical have shown inefficiency in the fight against the disease.
To date, no specific treatment for this disease has been invented. Simple removal of mucus showed no results, as cells invading the epithelium continue to produce it.
It is believed that good results can be achieved by radiation therapy when the affected tissues are irradiated with platinum, gold isotopes.
Without proper treatment, a sick person dies in one to 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 is extremely rare. Its danger lies in the latent course, atypical development and poor 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 are bowel obstruction.
The following types of mucin are characteristic of the disease:
- Free.
- Deposits Allocate large, small. They quite tightly fit to the peritoneal surface. In deposits, inflammatory processes occur and mesothelial cells are present. In some cases, fibroblasts and capillaries are found here. But in most cases non-plastic cells cannot be detected.
- Pools. These masses usually have collagenized tissue as a shell. In science, such formations are called divided mucin.
Who to believe?
In recent years, several Israeli clinics have emerged to guarantee the complete cure of cancer. As a rule, such organizations do not make any official promises, but make catchy advertisements, inspiring hope in patients and their relatives.
Remember that it is necessary to choose medical facilities after thoroughly studying the documentation, as well as the reviews of those who have actually been treated there. Beware of dishonest doctors and substandard services.