Pseudomyxoma Peritoni From an Ovarian Mucinous Cystadenoma

Pseudomyxoma peritonei is an exceptionally rare clinical syndrome, with an estimated annual incidence of 1-2 cases per million. This condition is characterized by the extensive accumulation of gelatinous ascites within the peritoneal cavity, and while it typically originates from the appendix (in 80-90% of cases), it can uncommonly arise from the ovary (in 10-15% of cases). Mucinous neoplasms of the ovary constitute 10-15% of all ovarian neoplasms, with the majority being benign (80%) or borderline (15-17%).

Among ovarian mucinous neoplasms, mucinous cystadenoma is a benign tumor originating from the ovarian surface epithelium and represents the second most common type of epithelial ovarian tumor. These tumor s have the potential to rupture spontaneously, leading to the development of mucinous ascites characterized by a yellowish-white jelly-like substance in the abdominal cavity, a condition colloquially referred to as "Jelly-Belly" abdomen.

This case report details a 50-year-old female who presented with a large ovarian mass on the right side accompanied by significant ascites, resulting in a Jelly-Belly abdomen. Surgical intervention revealed the mass to be a benign mucinous ovarian cystadenoma.