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Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (pronounced sue-doh-mix-oh-muh pary-ih-ton-nee-i), also known as PMP, is a rare cancer that usually starts as a small growth in the appendix comparible to a polyp. This adenoma will eventually break through the appendix wall and into the peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining). In doing so tumour cells will spread through a jelly-like mucin. If left untreated, this mucin will en gulf the abdominal cavity producing a characteristic "jelly belly".
PMP is not like other types of cancer in that it is seldom spread through the blood stream or lymphatic system, it generally remains contained within the abdomen and spreads along inner surfaces. Presently, it is thought to affect bewtween one and two million people worldwide per year.
PMP symptoms usually appear after some time and are caused by the build up of resulting mucus within the abdomen.
Symptoms include but are not limited to:
 Changes in bowel habit
Loss of appitite
Pelvic pain or pain within the abdominal area
Appendicitis
Swelling of the abdomen
Weight gain and or increase in waist size
These symptoms can be caused by a variety of medical conditions which are not necessarily PMP. However due to the nature of this cancer it is imperative to rule out PMP as a cause. Any unexplained symptoms should always be reported to your doctor.
Dawn Green, a UK survivor of PMP, noticed that when she was diagnosed there was a distinct lack of emotional support for anyone touched by this disease. With the help and support of fellow survivors, Dawn decided to establish a charity to offer emotional help and support in the UK and hence Pseudomyxoma Survivor was born.
This venture has since evolved into a worldwide recognised and invaluable emotional support network for anyone whose lives have been touched by PMP. We are now a global group of survivors of PMP, their caregivers and families that have joined together to create an online 'family'.
We provide a befriending service and practical and emotional help and advice on managing symptoms and all aspects of living and surviving with this rare disease. We also organise fundraising to raise money to fund essential equipment for UK PMP centres of excellence and for funding for research opportunities in the UK into the treatment of PMP.
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