Medical and palliative management of malignant ascites

Abstract

Malignant ascites is defined as an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity as a consequence of cancer [1] and presents a difficult clinical problem causing discomfort and distress to many patients in the advanced stages of their disease. It accounts for around 10% of all cases of ascites and occurs in association with a variety of neoplasms, especially breast, bronchus, ovary, stomach, pancreas and colon cancer [2]. Up to 20% of all patients with malignant ascites have tumours of unknown primary origin [3]. Large amounts of ascites can cause increased abdominal pressure with troublesome symptoms like pain, dyspnea, loss of appetite, nausea, reduced mobility and problems with the body image.