Pseudomyxoma peritonei: a case of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix presenting as inguinal hernia.

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare neoplastic condition characterized by diffuse collections of gelatinous fluid associated with mucinous implants on the peritoneal surfaces and omentum. Typical presentations include suspected acute appendicitis, increasing abdominal girth, new onset hernia and in women, an ovarian mass. The exact pathological origin, classification, and ideal treatment have been the subject of debate in the literature. Although optimum treatment is debatable, most expert opinion favors extensive surgical debulking with or without adjuvant therapy. We present a case of a 51-year-old man who presented with an inguinal hernia that was, in fact, secondary to pseudomyxoma peritonei. It is best practice, we believe, that any mucoid fluid encountered during hernia repair should be recovered and, along with the hernial sac, be assessed histologically.