PMP Pals’ Network

The PMP (pseudomyxoma peritonei) Pals’ Network is a non-profit, all volunteer, worldwide resource and referral service for patients, their family caregivers, and healthcare providers affected by rare cancers originating with the appendix, including mucinous adenocarcinoma, peritoneal carcinomatosis, signet ring cell, cancers affecting the peritoneum and the digestive system, mesothelioma, and pseudomyxoma peritonei. Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare malignancy characterized by the progressive accumulation of mucus-secreting (mucinous) tumor cells within the abdomen and pelvis. PMP develops after a small growth (polyp) located within the appendix bursts through the wall of the appendix and spreads mucus-producing tumor cells throughout surrounding surfaces (e.g., the membrane lining the abdominal cavity [peritoneum]). As mucinous tumor cells accumulate, the abdominal area becomes swollen and digestive function becomes impaired. Pseudomyxoma peritonei develops at a variable rate, but may grow at a slower rate (indolent) than other malignancies within the abdomen. PMP Pals assists and serves newly diagnosed patients, and their caregivers, as a source of information and referrals to physicians experienced in the treatment of pseudomyxoma peritonei, peritoneal carcinomatosis and all mucin producing cancers originating from the appendix. Though PMP Pals do not endorse any particular physician or medical facility, their database includes an international listing of surgeons, oncologists and pathologists experienced in treating pseudomyxoma peritonei and related diseases. PMP Pals shares resources and information to assist patients in living well with the challenges of pseudomyxoma peritonei, and they provide assistance to patients and their family caregivers in preparing for, and recuperating from, surgery and/or chemotherapy. They promote networking opportunities by providing to subscribing members the Pal Mentoring Program which links patients, and their family caregivers, with specific Pal Mentors, based on each patient�s diagnosis, gender, surgeon, and special needs. PMP Pals also offer a subscription to monthly PMP Pals newsletters and weekly bulletins, a series of three PMP Pals� Network Handbooks, participation in more than two dozen specialized Pal Resource Groups, participation in their annual international conference, and use of their extensive website.