The condition Jelly belly is what refers to a very rare and slow growing type of cancer called PMP or pseudomyxoma peritonei.
PMP or pseudomyxoma peritonei often starts as a small growth in your appendix, which breaks open and then spreads mucus making cells into your belly.
These cells then fill your abdomen with a thick, jelly like fluid.
The signs and symptoms of Jelly belly or pseudomyxoma peritonei include a swollen or large belly, pain in your stomach or lower area, feeling full very fast or having a loss of appetite, changes in your bathroom habits or even constipation and hernias.
Most cases of jelly belly or pseudomyxoma peritonei begin in appendix cancer when a low grade tumor leaks.
Doctors find the jelly belly through use of scans like an MRI, ultrasound and even a CT scan.
The jelly like fluid that occurs in jelly belly presses on organs like your stomach and your bowels, which causes discomfort as well as health issues.
The 5-year survival rate for "jelly belly" cancer, known medically as pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), ranges from 60% to 85% when treated with specialized surgery, though outlook varies widely based on tumor grade.
Low-grade tumors have much higher 5-year survival rates (often 75% to 85% or more), while high-grade or aggressive mucinous carcinomas have lower survival rates.
Complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) offers the best long-term outcomes.
Treatment at experienced, high-volume peritoneal surface malignancy centers greatly improves overall life expectancy.
Although PMPs are typically classified as mucinous neoplasms of the appendix, there are reports in the literature of PMPs originating from other organs, including the ovaries, colon, and pancreas.
In some cases, healthcare providers can treat and often cure pseudomyxoma peritonei.
The treatment for pseudomyxoma often involves surgery to remove all organs with cancerous tissue.
You may receive intraperitoneal chemotherapy during your surgery.
This is chemotherapy that providers place directly into your abdomen.