Table of Contents
What is abdominal fluid called?
The medical name for a build up of fluid in the abdomen is ascites (pronounced ay-site-eez). It can also be called malignant ascites. The tummy (abdomen) contains many organs, including the stomach, bowels, pancreas, liver, spleen and kidneys. There is a sheet of tissue (peritoneum) around these organs.
What is the meaning of Ascite?
Ascites: An abnormal accumulation of fluid within the abdomen. There are many causes of ascites, including cirrhosis of the liver, cancer within the abdomen, congestive heart failure, and tuberculosis.
Is fluid in the abdomen serious?
If severe, ascites may be painful. The problem may keep you from moving around comfortably. Ascites can set the stage for an infection in your abdomen. Fluid may also move into your chest and surround your lungs.
Is malignant ascites curable?
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 causes accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity?
What Causes Peritoneal Effusions? Approximately 85% of ascites cases are caused by cirrhosis of the liver, and roughly 10% of cases are caused by cancer. While the condition is relatively common among peritoneal mesothelioma patients, this cancer is a rare cause of peritoneal effusion overall.
Can ascites be cured?
Ascites can’t be cured but lifestyle changes and treatments may decrease complications.
What is the medical name for fluid in the abdomen?
The medical name for a build up of fluid in the abdomen is ascites (pronounced ay-site-eez). It can also be called malignant ascites. The tummy (abdomen) contains many organs, including the stomach, bowels, pancreas, liver, spleen and kidneys. There is a sheet of tissue (peritoneum) around these organs.
What causes fluid in the peritoneal cavity?
Ascites. Ascites is the abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity. It may be caused by different disorders. You will find more information on the causes and treatment options in ascites here.
How does cancer cause fluid in the abdomen?
cancer cells irritate the lining of the abdomen and make it produce too much fluid. lymph glands in the abdomen get blocked and can’t drain fluid properly. cancer has spread to the liver and raises the pressure in nearby blood vessels, which forces fluid out.
What does it mean when your stomach swells up?
About fluid in the abdomen. Sometimes fluid builds up between the 2 layers, which makes the abdomen swell. This can be very uncomfortable. This fluid build up is called ascites.