Peritoneal malignancy

Abstract Malignancy can result from primary or secondary tumours of the peritoneum. Traditionally the discovery of peritoneal cancer at operation was thought to be a terminal event. These patients were offered palliative care with either systemic chemotherapy or best supportive care. However, the last 30 years have seen exciting developments in the surgical and medical treatment of peritoneal malignancy with significant improvements in survival. A few have even achieved cure with this devastating condition. This chapter describes the assessment and management of common primary and secondary peritoneal malignancies. Colorectal peritoneal metastases, pseudomyxoma peritonei, peritoneal mesothelioma, and ovarian cancer are discussed in detail. It also describes the advances in surgical and oncological treatments for these conditions.