Does ascites mean advanced cancer?

Ascites is a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. It can happen in the advanced stages of ovarian cancer. Draining excess fluid from the abdomen can help relieve symptoms of ascites. If cancer cells spread to the abdomen, they can irritate the lining and cause excess fluid to build up.

Can you survive malignant ascites?

Median survival after diagnosis of malignant ascites is in the range of 1 to 4 months; survival is apt to be longer for ovarian and breast cancers if systemic anti-cancer treatments are available.

What is the prognosis for malignant ascites?

The development of malignant ascites carries a poor prognosis, with the median survival reported anywhere between 1 and 4 months. Patients with malignant ascites clinically present similarly to those with ascites secondary to cirrhosis.

Can chemo cure malignant ascites?

For most patients, development of malignant ascites signals advanced, incurable cancer. Often, there may be no suitable cure for the underlying cancer. However, for some cancers (eg, ovarian cancer, lymphoma), treating the underlying cancer with chemotherapy and/or surgery may control ascites as well.

What stage of cancer is ascites?

Ascites is common in some cancers that have reached the advanced stages and spread in the abdominal area, including cancer of the ovary, liver, colon, stomach, or pancreas. Sometimes chemotherapy or surgery might help manage ascites. More often, a procedure is done to drain the fluid, called a paracentesis.

What is the life expectancy of a person with ascites?

Ascites is the main complication of cirrhosis. It is a landmark of the progression into the decompensated phase of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor prognosis and quality of life; mortality is estimated to be 50% in 2 years.

Does ascites mean end of life?

introduction. Malignant ascites is a manifestation of end stage events in a variety of cancers and is associated with significant morbidity.

What is the difference between ascites and malignant ascites?

The peritoneum is a membrane that surrounds the organs inside the abdomen that makes ascitic fluid. This fluid is normal in the body, but cancer can cause the peritoneum to produce too much of this fluid. This is called “malignant ascites” and it is often a sign of advanced cancer.