Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)

Ascites is the medical name for a build up of fluid in the tummy (abdomen). If the ascites is caused by cancer it can also be called malignant ascites. Symptoms can include your clothes feeling tight and bloating.

The main treatment for ascites is draining the fluid. This is called an abdominal paracentesis. Your doctor may also give you medicines to help get rid of the fluid. Or you might have cancer drugs to try to control the cancer, which may stop the fluid building up.

If the ascites comes back after you have had it drained, your doctor may recommend a long term drain. This can stay in for several months. You might be able to drain the fluid yourself. Or a nurse may go to your home to do it.

There are lots of organisations and support groups to help you cope with the symptoms and side effects caused by cancer and its treatment. There is also more details of support groups on the resources page of each cancer type.