What to expect from palliative care for malignant ascites

Fluid in the abdomen can cause fullness, pain, nausea, reduced appetite, difficulty moving or breathlessness. The palliative care team may assess these symptoms, review medicines and discuss options with the cancer team. Drainage may be considered when fluid is causing significant discomfort; the team can explain what the procedure involves and how symptoms will be watched afterwards. Support can also cover food and drink choices, bowel symptoms, sleep, emotional strain and help at home.

Record increasing abdominal size or tightness, pain, nausea, appetite, bowel changes, breathlessness and how easily you can move. Take medicines as directed and tell the team if tablets are difficult to swallow or are not helping. Ask which drinks and foods feel comfortable, and whether you need help with washing, dressing or transport. Keep the service’s contact details available and discuss what matters most if symptoms return after drainage.

Contact your cancer team promptly for rapidly increasing swelling, new persistent vomiting, worsening pain, fever, redness or drainage at a procedure site, or reduced urine. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or sudden intense abdominal pain. A new symptom after drainage should be reported using the instructions from your clinical team.

What is causing my abdominal fluid and which symptoms should I report? Could drainage help me, and how will follow-up work? How can I manage appetite, nausea and medicines at home? Who should I call after hours?