Ovarian cancer peritoneal metastasis explained

The peritoneum is a thin, smooth lining around many abdominal organs. Ovarian cancer cells can detach from a tumour and move through abdominal fluid before attaching to this lining. Deposits may be found on the pelvic peritoneum, bowel surface, diaphragm or other abdominal areas. This is different from a tumour growing directly into an adjacent organ, although both can affect treatment planning.

Peritoneal involvement may contribute to increasing abdominal size, pressure, discomfort, reduced appetite, constipation or breathlessness if fluid affects the diaphragm. Some people have few symptoms. A scan can suggest spread, but the full picture may require surgery, fluid analysis or tissue sampling.

Your team may use pelvic ultrasound and other imaging to map visible disease, then combine those findings with pathology and physical examination. Genomic tumour profiling can provide information relevant to systemic treatment. Depending on the extent and your health, care may include chemotherapy, ovarian debulking surgery, symptom control or a combination. Palliative care can be added at any stage to address pain, nausea, appetite, sleep and emotional strain.

Tell your treatment team about rapidly increasing abdominal swelling, persistent vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, worsening pain, reduced urine output or new breathlessness. Seek urgent care for severe pain, collapse, confusion, bluish lips or sudden difficulty breathing. These symptoms can signal complications that require prompt treatment.

Where is peritoneal disease seen? Is fluid present, and can it be tested? Is surgery suitable? What would chemotherapy aim to do? Which symptoms should trigger a same-day call?