Pseudomyxoma peritonei

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare condition, which is known for its high mortality when not treated property. The first step to improve prognosis of these patients is to recognize this clinical syndrome preferably in an early stage. Knowledge of pathogenesis and common diagnostic tools is essential in this regard. Treatment strategy for PMP should pursue complete cytoreduction and prevention of recurrence or progression. Combined modality treatment, consisting of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, seems very efficient in this regard. This approach is currently carried out in many centers throughout the world with promising results and seems to win ground as the standard treatment approach. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.