PSEUDOMYXOMA PERITONEI - A HETEROGENOUS DISEASE

Objective: To evaluate the origin of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) in C hinese women. Methods: The clinicopathologic features of 15 cases of P MP were reviewed. Immunostaining using antibodies for CK7 and CK20 was performed in the ovarian, appendiceal and peritoneal lesions of these cases. Results: Appendiceal pathology was documented in five cases, i ncluding four mucinous cystadenoma and one simple mucocele. Eight ovar ian tumors were found, including seven mucinous cystadenocarcinomas of low malignant potential and one mucinous cystadenoma. Synchronous ova rian and appendiceal lesions were discovered in three cases. One patie nt had adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. The origin of mucin production was not known in four cases with metastatic adenocarcinoma found in tw o of them. Immunoreactivity for CK20 was demonstrated in the tissues d erived from the peritoneum, ovary, appendix and pancreas while only 23 % (3 out of 13 women) of the peritoneal lesions and 33% (2 out of 6 wo men) of the ovarian tumors were immunoreactive for CK7. Conclusions: P MP is a heterogeneous lesion, which may develop from mucinous metaplas ia of the peritoneum or from appendiceal, or ovarian lesions. Careful examination of the ovary and appendix with performance of appendectomy is advised in every case of PMP. Immunohistochemical examination of t he peritoneal, ovarian or appendiceal lesions using antibodies, in par ticular that for CK7 would help in defining the origin of mucin produc tion. (C) 1998 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.