What is peritoneal tumours?

The peritoneum is a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdominal muscle and organs such as liver, spleen, uterus, bladder, large intestine and small intestine. It protects the organs and produces fluid that will allow the organs to move inside the abdomen with minimal friction. 

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However, peritoneal malignancies and tumours can seed the peritoneum. These can arise from;

1. Primary peritoneal cancers - mesothelioma

2. Secondary peritoneal cancers - appendiceal adenocarcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma

3. Secondary peritoneal tumours - low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN), high grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (HAMN)

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Peritoneal tumours from low grade appendiceal neoplasm (LAMN) does not invade into organs or spread to lung or brain. But these tumours produces mucin, that will eventually compress organs such as liver, spleen and small intestine (causing obstruction). Whereas, peritoneal cancers arising from colorectal cancer or appendiceal cancer can spread to other organs such as liver, lung and brain.