Fluid buildup in the abdomen

Fluid buildup in the abdomen is called ascites.

Ascites happens in the

Ascites develops most often with ovarian, uterine, cervical, colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, breast and liver cancers. Cancer that spreads to the liver can also cause ascites.

Ascites can be caused by:

• cancer cells that spread to and irritate the thin lining of the inner wall of the abdomen (called the peritoneum)
• tumours that block the
  lymphatic system

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  lymphatic system

  The group of tissues and organs that produce and store cells that fight infection and diseases.

  The lymphatic system includes the adenoids, tonsils, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, lymph vessels and bone marrow.

  Also called the lymph system.
  so that lymph fluid can't flow properly
• the liver not making enough protein (albumin), which may disturb the body's fluid balance
• cancer cells that block blood flow through the liver

Symptoms of ascites can vary depending on their cause and other factors. They include:

• swelling of the abdomen
• bloating
• pain in the back or abdomen
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• weight gain
• nausea
• vomiting
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• feeling full after eating a small amount
• constipation
• swelling of the ankle or leg
• changes to the belly button

If symptoms get worse or don't go away, tell your doctor or healthcare team as soon as possible without waiting for your next scheduled appointment.

Your doctor will try to find the cause of ascites. You may need to have the following tests:

• a physical exam
• an abdominal x-ray
• an abdominal ultrasound or a CT scan

Sometimes fluid is removed from the abdomen to see if it contains cancer cells.

Once the cause of ascites is known, your healthcare team can suggest ways to manage it, such as:

• reducing the amount of salt you eat and the amount of fluids you drink
• taking medicines to help your body get rid of extra fluids (called diuretics)
• removing fluid from the abdomen with a long, hollow needle (called a paracentesis)
• infusing albumin into the abdomen after a paracentesis to help slow down the buildup of fluid
• inserting a
  catheter

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  catheter

  A flexible tube used to carry fluids into or out of the body.

  For example, an intravenous catheter delivers fluid into the body through a vein and a urinary catheter carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
  into the abdomen to remove fluid on a regular basis

Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be used to treat the cancer that is causing the ascites. You may also be offered surgery to redirect fluid from one place to another so that it doesn't build up (called a shunt).