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The Pathological Spectrum of Mucinous Appendiceal Tumours and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei

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Pathology of Peritoneal Metastases

Abstract

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a clinical entity that comprises of a very heterogeneous group of tumours that have a similar clinical presentation but varied biological behaviour. The terminology used to classify these tumours had been changing constantly as the understanding of the disease process improves. Due to the multitude of classifications proposed by different pathologists, there is still controversy regarding the most appropriate one and different centres and regions have different preferences. It may also partly be attributed to some limitations in each one and the disease heterogeneity which makes it almost impossible to classify every distinct entity into the right group. To add to this, there are non-expert pathologists who are often called upon to report such specimens and misclassification with its ensuing clinical consequences is not uncommon. The different classifications and terminology used by different pathologists must be put in perspective by the treating surgeon. This chapter provides a simplified approach to diagnosing and classifying PMP of appendiceal origin which will be useful to both less experienced pathologists and surgeons. There is a tabulated comparison of the different classifications used for both the primary tumour and PMP. It also focuses on some ‘grey areas’ in classifying these tumours that need to be considered while treating these patients.

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Bhatt, A., Mishra, S., Parikh, L., Glehen, O. (2020). The Pathological Spectrum of Mucinous Appendiceal Tumours and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. In: Glehen, O., Bhatt, A. (eds) Pathology of Peritoneal Metastases. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3773-8_7

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