How common is abdominal swelling in primary peritoneal cancer?

The abdomen may feel fuller, tighter or heavier, and clothing may become uncomfortable. Fluid build-up can also cause breathlessness after activity, reduced appetite or feeling full after a small meal. Other causes include digestive problems, liver disease, ovarian conditions and benign fluid changes, so an examination is needed to sort these possibilities out.

Arrange a medical assessment if swelling is new, persistent or increasing. A clinician may examine your abdomen, ask when the change began, and review appetite, bowel changes, pain and breathing. Tests may include blood work, ultrasound or other imaging. Do not try to drain abdominal fluid or take water tablets without medical advice.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, marked breathing difficulty or an abdomen that becomes suddenly tense. Contact your cancer team promptly if known swelling worsens, your medicines stop helping, or you cannot keep fluids down.

Ask what may be causing the swelling, whether fluid is present, which test is appropriate, and which changes should prompt an urgent call. You can also ask how symptoms will be monitored and whether diet, positioning or prescribed treatment could improve comfort.