CYTODIAGNOSIS OF PSEUDOMYXOMA PERITONEI IN CASES SUSPECTED OF OVARIAN-TUMORS

The cytologic features in four cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei are des cribed in ascitic fluid specimens which were received from female pati ents suspected of ovarian masses. The findings in the fluid included-c ells of mesothelial origin and spindle-shaped fibroblasts with a signi ficant amount of background mucin. This was confirmed by mucicarmine a nd Alcian blue stains. A cytologic diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei was possible in all four cases. The above findings were further subst antiated since mucinous ovarian neoplasms were found in all the cases. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.