Why does ovarian cancer cause a large amount of ascites?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Ovarian cancer may cause a large amount of ascites, which could be related to factors such as tumor compression, rupture of cancer cells, increased peritoneal surface area, enhanced capillary permeability in the peritoneum, cachexia, and reduced vascular oncotic pressure. Early-stage ovarian cancer may not present obvious symptoms, but signs and symptoms typically appear as the disease progresses to intermediate or advanced stages. Therefore, early diagnosis, early treatment, and timely intervention are crucial.
Ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Ovarian cancer may cause a large amount of abdominal fluid accumulation, which may be related to factors such as tumor compression, rupture of cancer cells, increased peritoneal surface area, increased capillary permeability of the peritoneum, cachexia, and decreased vascular oncotic pressure. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Tumor compression: As the ovarian cancer tumor increases in size, it may compress veins and lymphatic vessels, obstructing the return flow of blood and lymph, thereby causing ascites. This is because veins and lymphatic vessels are responsible for transporting excess fluid and waste from the body back into the circulatory system. When they are compressed, this fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity.
2. Rupture of cancer cells: The surface of ovarian cancer cells tends to be fragile and prone to damage. When cancer cells rupture, the intracellular fluid leaks out and accumulates within the body, leading to ascites.
3. Increased peritoneal surface area: Ovarian cancer cells may detach and implant onto the peritoneum, increasing the peritoneal surface area, which in turn causes increased ascites production. The peritoneum is a thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity, covering the abdominal organs and secreting a small amount of fluid to lubricate them. When the peritoneal surface area increases, the volume of ascites secreted also increases.
4. Increased capillary permeability of the peritoneum: Detached ovarian cancer cells within the abdominal cavity can stimulate the capillaries of the peritoneum, increasing their permeability. This leads to the leakage of large amounts of fluid and proteins from the blood vessels into the abdominal cavity, resulting in ascites.
5. Cachexia and decreased vascular oncotic pressure: In the late stages of ovarian cancer, patients often develop cachexia, characterized by extreme weight loss and malnutrition. At this stage, the oncotic pressure within blood vessels decreases, allowing more fluid from outside the vessels to渗入 (seep into) the abdominal cavity, further worsening ascites.
In the early stages of ovarian cancer, there may be no obvious symptoms, and symptoms typically appear in the middle and later stages as the disease progresses. Therefore, early diagnosis, treatment, and intervention are crucial, along with regular check-ups to reduce the risk of cancer spread and metastasis.
