[Mucocele of the appendix and pseudomyxoma peritonei]

The cell of cancer origin provides the most reliable roadmap to its diagnosis, prognosis (biology) and therapy

Cancers arise from single transformed cells from virtually every organ of the body, divide in a relatively uncontrolled manner, and metastasize widely. A search for a "magic bullet" to precisely diagnose, characterize, and ultimately treat cancer has largely failed because cancer cells do not differ significantly from their organ-specific cells of origin. Instead of searching for genomic, epigenetic, transcriptional, and translational differences between cancers and their cells of origin, we should paradoxically focus on what cancer cells have in common with their untransformed cells of origin. This redirected search will lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies where therapeutic index considerations and drug-limiting toxicities can largely be circumvented. We cite three cancer examples that illustrate this paradigm-shifting strategy: pseudomyxoma peritonei (PP), metastasis of unknown origin (cancers of unknown primary) (MUO), and cancers that arise from potentially dispensable organs (CAD). In each of these examples, the cell of cancer origin still provides the most reliable road map to its diagnosis, prognosis (biology), and therapy.

The many faces of pseudomyxoma peritonei: a radiological review based on 30 cases

Objective:

To determine the most common imaging features of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), as well as the histologic subtypes of the primary tumors.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed 30 cases of women with pathologically confirmed PMP. Only computed tomography scans were available. All cases were retrospectively studied by four radiologists, working independently. We identified the most common imaging findings, the predominant primary site of the disease, and the growth pattern. The most common sites of recurrence were also analyzed.

Results:

The most common computed tomography finding was peritoneal/omental nodules (including “omental caking”), followed by visceral scalloping and non-mucinous ascites. The most common site of the primary tumor was the appendix (in 63.3%), followed by the ovaries (in 16.6%), and 16.6% of the tumors were of undetermined origin. There was one case of synchronous appendiceal and ovarian tumors. Low-grade mucinous neoplasm was the most common histologic subtype, accounting for 84.2% of the appendiceal tumors and 40% of the ovarian tumors.

Conclusion:

Although PMP is a relatively rare entity, radiologists must be aware of its possible imaging findings, common locations, and possible patterns of recurrence. The origin of the primary tumor should also be investigated. Future studies are needed in order to determine which preoperative imaging findings predict surgical outcomes and to characterize the main findings of radiological recurrence.

[Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) secondary to mucinous carcinoma of the ovary: a case study]

Le pseudomyxome péritonéal (PMP) ou l'ascite gélatineuse est une entité rare, décrite pour la première fois par R. Wyerth en 1884. Il correspond à une atteinte péritonéale diffuse, composée d'une ascite mucineuse et d'implants épithéliaux mucineux multifocaux. Cette maladie touche essentiellement les femmes. Son incidence est estimée à 2 cas par un million d'habitants. Le pseudomyxome péritonéal peut rester asymptomatique, découvert lors d'une laparotomie. Le symptôme le plus fréquent est représenté par une distension abdominale associée à des douleurs abdominales diffuses. Le scanner abdominal constitue le moyen diagnostique le plus spécifique. Il met en évidence des signes pathognomoniques de l'ascite gélatineuse. Les tumeurs mucineuses de l'appendice sont la cause la plus fréquente du pseudomyxome péritonéal avec 90% des cas. L'origine ovarienne en constitue une cause très rare. Il existe essentiellement deux types de traitement du PMP: premièrement le « debulking » chirurgical multiple et deuxièmement la chirurgie de cytoréduction avec chimiothérapie intra-péritonéale péri-opératoire consistant en une chimiothérapie hyperthermique intrapéritonéale avec ou sans chimiothérapie intrapéritonéale post opératoire immédiate. Nous rapportons un cas de pseudomyxome péritonéal secondaire à une tumeur mucineuse de l'ovaire gauche.

Predicting Underlying Neoplasms in Appendiceal Mucoceles at CT: Focal Versus Diffuse Luminal Dilatation

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a novel morphologic characteristic of appendiceal mucoceles at CT-focal distal appendiceal dilatation with a segment of morphologically normal appendix proximally-could predict an underlying neoplastic pathologic abnormality before surgery and histopathologic assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective study was performed that assessed CT cases from 2012 through 2014. Cases showing morphologic features of a mucocele were identified and categorized into two subgroups: focal distal dilatation with a segment of normal appendix proximally and generalized appendiceal dilatation. The underlying histopathologic diagnosis for each case was assessed and categorized as neoplastic or nonneoplastic. Several additional morphologic findings were also assessed. RESULTS. Forty-nine cases with confirmed histopathologic diagnoses were identified. Of those, 20 of 23 (87.0%) cases with the finding of focal distal dilatation had an underlying neoplastic cause, whereas 14 of 26 (53.8%) cases with generalized dilatation had an underlying neoplastic cause (p = 0.012). The findings of periappendiceal fat stranding (p = 0.004), mural calcification (p = 0.006), and degree of luminal dilatation (p = 0.002) also reached statistical significance. When seen in combination with focal distal dilatation, the positive predictive value for underlying neoplasm approached or reached 100%. CONCLUSION. Our study shows that isolated focal distal appendiceal dilatation with a segment of morphologically normal appendix proximally is significantly associated with an underlying neoplastic histopathologic cause. When seen in combination with mural calcification, a diameter of more than 2 cm, and absence of periappendiceal stranding, an underlying neoplastic cause is strongly suggested.

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: A Case Report Diagnosed in a 47-Year-Old Woman with Chronic Pelvic Abdominal Pain and Appendicular Origin: Review of the Literature and Management

The authors report a case of pseudomyxoma peritonei with gelatinous peritoneum in a 47-year-old-woman. The main symptom for discovery was a chronic pelvic abdominal pain. This disease is particularly rare. The gelatinous substance is often associated with a malignant ovarian tumor or appendicitis perforated. Currently, on the whole, an exploratory laparoscopy allows diagnosis, biopsies, and appendectomy. The treatment is essentially surgical. The prognosis depends on grade (1/3) and response to chemotherapy. This case was presented to the tumor board.

Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix presenting as an umbilical hernia: A case report

Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix is a rare condition that develops as a result of proliferation of mucin-secreting cells in an occluded appendix. Mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix presenting as an umbilical hernia is a rare clinical entity. The most common causes of this condition are known to be ascites, hepatitis and cirrhosis; however, the patient in the present study, was diagnosed as hepatitis- and cirrhosis-negative, with no history of chronic coughing or constipation. The aim of the present study was to report a rare case of mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix presenting as an umbilical hernia in a 66-year-old female patient. The patient had a 6-month history of a reducible mass in the umbilical region and was diagnosed with umbilical hernia. Computed tomography and ultrasonography were performed and revealed massive ascites. Ultimately, a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed and borderline mucinous appendiceal cystadenoma of low malignant potential was confirmed. In addition, the present study discussed the association between mucinous cystadenoma of the appendix and umbilical hernia, as well as the diagnostic process and treatment strategies.

Digestive diseases mimicking primary gynecological diseases or with secondary gynecological manifestations

A wide range of gastrointestinal diseases may spread to and involve genital organs by different pathways. These pathways result in extension of the pathological process into the extraperitoneal spaces and between the extra- and intraperitoneal spaces. These communications occur either via mesenteries and ligaments or via the posterior parietal peritoneum. Thus, infectious, inflammatory or tumoral digestive diseases can extend into the pelvic organs and present with a misleading clinical picture and/or radiological features, showing the complexity of pelvic diseases in women. This article reviews, illustrates and discusses these different presentations and provides certain clues to help reach a definite diagnosis.

[Appendiceal mucocele: report of a case observed in Lubumbashi]

La mucocèle appendiculaire est une entité pathologique rare, mais potentiellement dangereuse, elle se présente sous différentes formes cliniques. Nous rapportons ici un cas d'une patiente âgée de 49 ans sans antécédents chirurgicaux chez qui nous avons découvert d'une façon fortuite cette affection. La clinique était celle d'un syndrome appendiculaire aigu patent et elle révélait une masse dans la fosse iliaque droite. Les examens de laboratoire ont montré une hyperleucocytose et une vitesse de sédimentation augmentée. L’échographie a démontré une masse kystique péricaecal. La patiente a subi une appendicectomie avec cæcectomie partielle et la pièce opératoire appendiculaire mesurait 153 mm de longueur et 64 mm de diamètre. L'analyse anatomopathologique de celle-ci a confirmé le diagnostic de mucocèle appendiculaire sans cellules de malignité. Les suites opératoires ont été simples et la patiente est sortie au cinquième jour postopératoire.

Appendiceal mucocele and pseudomyxoma peritonei; the clinical boundaries of a subtle disease

Patient: Male, 70 • Male, 84

Final Diagnosis: Appendiceal mucocele and pseudomyxoma peritonei

Symptoms: —

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Surgery

Secreted mucins in pseudomyxoma peritonei: pathophysiological significance and potential therapeutic prospects

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP, ORPHA26790) is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive dissemination of mucinous tumors and mucinous ascites in the abdomen and pelvis. PMP is a rare disease with an estimated incidence of 1-2 out of a million. Clinically, PMP usually presents with a variety of unspecific signs and symptoms, including abdominal pain and distention, ascites or even bowel obstruction. It is also diagnosed incidentally at surgical or non-surgical investigations of the abdominopelvic viscera. PMP is a neoplastic disease originating from a primary mucinous tumor of the appendix with a distinctive pattern of the peritoneal spread. Computed tomography and histopathology are the most reliable diagnostic modalities. The differential diagnosis of the disease includes secondary peritoneal carcinomatoses and some rare peritoneal conditions. Optimal elimination of mucin and the mucin-secreting tumor comprises the current standard of care for PMP offered in specialized centers as visceral resections and peritonectomy combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This multidisciplinary approach has reportedly provided a median survival rate of 16.3 years, a median progression-free survival rate of 8.2 years and 10- and 15-year survival rates of 63% and 59%, respectively. Despite its indolent, bland nature as a neoplasm, PMP is a debilitating condition that severely impacts quality of life. It tends to be diagnosed at advanced stages and frequently recurs after treatment. Being ignored in research, however, PMP remains a challenging, enigmatic entity. Clinicopathological features of the PMP syndrome and its morbid complications closely correspond with the multifocal distribution of the secreted mucin collections and mucin-secreting implants. Novel strategies are thus required to facilitate macroscopic, as well as microscopic, elimination of mucin and its source as the key components of the disease. In this regard, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B have been found as the secreted mucins of relevance in PMP. Development of mucin-targeted therapies could be a promising avenue for future research which is addressed in this article.

Single incision laparoscopic appendectomy with two port: a case of appendiceal mucocele

Laparoscopic appendectomy for the neoplasm of the appendix remains a controversial subject in the literature. The main concern regarding laparoscopic treatment for the neoplasm of the appendix is incomplete resection and rupture of the tumor into the peritoneal cavity. There is a slight increase in the rate of invasion of the surgical margins in laparoscopic interventions. However, the prognosis of the neoplasm of the appendix treated with laparoscopic appendectomy is not different from an open surgical technique. A series of cases have been reported in the literature concerning the success rate of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy used in the treatment of acute appendicitis. In our clinic, two-port laparoscopic appendectomy through a single incision was successfully performed on a 45-year-old male patient diagnosed with an appendiceal mucocele. Despite some concerns in the literature about laparoscopic treatment of neoplasms of the appendix, we suggest that single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy can be successfully performed in patients diagnosed with neoplasms of the appendix.