CYTOLOGIC DIAGNOSIS OF PSEUDOMYXOMA PERITONEI - COMMON AND UNCOMMON CAUSES

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PP) refers to accumulation of mucus in the per itoneal cavity, regardless of cause or pathogenesis. We have reviewed 8 cases of PP diagnosed in our institution over the past 5 years. Pert inent cytologic features include a mucinous background with mesothelia l cells and histiocytes. Two cases contained rare clusters of neoplast ic epithelial cells, with low-grade nuclear features of malignancy. Th e origin and nature of the parent neoplasms were variable, with no ref lection of the cytologic features of PP. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.