Calling this number connects you with a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center, the nation's most trusted mesothelioma resource.
Our Patient Advocates can help guide you or your loved one through the steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our team has a combined experience of more than 30 years in assisting cancer patients, and includes a medical doctor, an oncology registered nurse and a U.S. Navy veteran.
Call Now (855) 404-4592Peritoneal effusion, widely known as ascites, refers to an excess collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare cause of the condition. Several treatments are available to effectively control fluid buildup and the associated symptoms.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
"My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family."LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Selby, K. (2022, December 20). Peritoneal Effusion (Ascites). Asbestos.com. Retrieved February 3, 2023, from https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/peritoneal-effusion/
Selby, Karen. "Peritoneal Effusion (Ascites)." Asbestos.com, 20 Dec 2022, https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/peritoneal-effusion/.
Selby, Karen. "Peritoneal Effusion (Ascites)." Asbestos.com. Last modified December 20, 2022. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/peritoneal-effusion/.
Cirrhosis of the liver causes approximately 85% of peritoneal effusion cases, and cancer causes roughly 10% of cases. The condition is common among peritoneal mesothelioma patients.
Certain cancers have an association with malignant ascites. They include cancers of the colon, rectum, lung, pancreas, liver, ovary, uterus, breast or lymphatic system.
Peritoneal carcinomatosis causes about 50% of malignant peritoneal effusions. It involves small deposits of cancer in the lining of the abdominal cavity. Roughly 13% are the result of other cancers spreading to the liver.
In peritoneal mesothelioma patients, malignant ascites may develop from:
Peritoneal effusion isn’t associated with survival time. But, worsening ascites is a sign of cancer progression.
As fluid builds between the layers of the peritoneal lining, various symptoms occur.
Doctors perform physical examinations, imaging scans and testing ascites, to diagnose peritoneal effusion. Ascites is among the first diagnoses that will come to a doctor’s mind when a patient goes to the doctor with severe abdominal distension.
Imaging tests — such as ultrasonography and CT scans — can show the presence of fluid around the abdomen.
A paracentesis drains the fluid and collects a sample to look for signs of cancer using pathology tests.
A study of cytology testing of peritoneal effusions detected cancerous cells in 34% of samples. Pleural effusions revealed cancer cells in 64% of samples. A 2022 study published these results in Cytopathology.
Treatment of malignant ascites involves cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Nonmalignant ascites treatment involves draining fluid.
Peritoneal effusion is treatable and controllable. Proper treatment controls pain and other symptoms besides resolving recurring ascites.
Treatment seeks to manage the buildup of fluid for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
A paracentesis is a minor surgical procedure. It drains excess fluid from the abdomen using a hollow needle and a drainage tube.
Repeat procedures control recurring ascites and associated symptoms.
Doctors suggest the placement of a permanent intraperitoneal catheter for severe, recurring cases.
Permanent catheters allow constant drainage of ascitic fluid. This relieves distension, pressure, pain, nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Patients no longer have to return to the hospital for repeated paracenteses.
A minor surgical procedure in a hospital setting places the catheter in the peritoneum. The catheter goes into small incisions in the abdomen, which is then connected to a drainage tube.
Patients who opt to receive chemotherapy may notice a reduction of peritoneal effusion. When chemotherapy effectively kills mesothelioma cells, the tumors shrink. Fewer cancer cells means less fluid production.
Ascites can recur when the cancer begins to grow again. A second or third line of chemotherapy can control recurring peritoneal effusions. Especially in conjunction with a paracentesis or intraperitoneal catheter.
Surgery and heated chemotherapy is an effective treatment to control ascites. It removes cancer and kills the remaining cells with chemotherapy. This greatly reduces the production of ascitic fluid.
Half of the surgery patients live longer than five years regardless of ascites or other symptoms. Approximately 40% of peritoneal mesothelioma patients qualify for surgery.
If you have recurring effusions and prior asbestos exposure, peritoneal mesothelioma may be the cause.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is very rare, with less than 600 cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Misdiagnosis as other abdominal cancers or less serious gastrointestinal conditions is common.
A paracentesis alone cannot diagnose malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. A tissue biopsy must confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
If ascites persists, consider seeking a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist.
Stay up-to-date on treatment, research, clinical trials, doctors and survivors
Sign Up Now
Our free peritoneal mesothelioma guide contains information on symptoms, top doctors, support resources and more. Get information tailored to your unique diagnosis, and learn about our free services.
Your web browser is no longer supported by Microsoft. Update your browser for more security, speed and compatibility.
If you are looking for mesothelioma support, please contact our Patient Advocates at (855) 404-4592
