Etiology of Malignant Ascites
1. Secondary to abdominal malignancy:
• Especially of the liver, stomach & ovaries.
• The spread is may be direct, lymphatic or haematogenous.
2. Secondary to cancer breast or testis:
Through lymphatic or haematogenous spread.
3. Primary tumours:
As mesothelioma (rare).
Clinical Picture
1. Features of the primary cancer.
2. Abdominal manifestations:
- Rapid distention of the abdomen
- The ascitic fluid is usually massive.
- Intra-abdominal masses may be present.
- There may be no palpable liver or spleen.
- Nodules around the umbilicus.
3. Examination of the ascitic fluid:
- Bloody, but rarely clear or chylous.
- Rapidly recurring after aspiration.
- It may contain malignant cells.
Treatment of Malignant Ascites is only Palliative .
1. Secondary to abdominal malignancy:
• Especially of the liver, stomach & ovaries.
• The spread is may be direct, lymphatic or haematogenous.
2. Secondary to cancer breast or testis:
Through lymphatic or haematogenous spread.
3. Primary tumours:
As mesothelioma (rare).
Clinical Picture
1. Features of the primary cancer.
2. Abdominal manifestations:
- Rapid distention of the abdomen
- The ascitic fluid is usually massive.
- Intra-abdominal masses may be present.
- There may be no palpable liver or spleen.
- Nodules around the umbilicus.
- Bloody, but rarely clear or chylous.
- Rapidly recurring after aspiration.
- It may contain malignant cells.
Treatment of Malignant Ascites is only Palliative .
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