Peritoneal surface malignancy, also known as peritoneal carcinomatosis, is a type of cancer that occurs within the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal cavity is the space in the abdomen between the organs that is lined by the peritoneum, which is normally a thin protective membrane. Peritoneal cancer is frequently caused by the spread of cancer cells from pre-existing cancer. The following are the most common cancers that cause peritoneal carcinomatosis:
Cancer of the colon
Cancer of the pancreas/appendix (including pseudomyxoma peritonei or PMP)
Cancer of the ovaries
Cancer of the stomach
Mesothelioma of the peritoneum
Primary peritoneal carcinoma
