Pseudomyxoma peritonei is usually found during an unrelated procedure such as during an operation for something else when the mucin and the tumours are seen in the abdominal cavity or during tests for something else when the traits of PMP are seen on a scan or blood tests highlight further investigation is needed. Diagnosis and monitoring of PMP is generally by:
- CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
- Exploratory laparoscopy
- Blood tests (tumour markers) CEA, CA-125, and CA 19-9 are typical although these aren’t an indicator for all patients
When tumours and mucin are found during another operation, diagnosis is given after pathology tests. Because of the rarity of PMP, many pathologists may not have seen cells like this before and this makes it harder to diagnose.