"The Jelly Belly": Diagnostic Dilemmas and Current Concepts.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare and poorly understood clinicopathological entity characterized by gelatinous ascites with neoplastic or non-neoplastic mucinous implants in the peritoneum. Although its origin was debated, current evidence in literature favours the appendix as the origin of the disease, over the ovaries. The changing terminologies in the classification of this entity pose diagnostic and management challenges. CASE REPORTS: Herein, we report three cases of PMP in postmenopausal women, their clinical presentation, pathological staging based on the peritoneal tumor deposits and the treatment administered. Two patients recovered uneventfully, while one had recurrence of adenocarcinoma.
CONCLUSION: The rarity of this disease and the diagnostic challenges associated with it are discussed with an emphasis on the current concepts in its origin and management. Appropriate classification and complete removal of the tumor is mandated to prevent disease-related mortality.