Swelling, Ascites and Edema
Overview
The term swelling and edema can be used interchangeably, whereas ascites are specifically used for abdominal swelling. Swelling or edema and ascites are side effects of cancer and cancer treatment.
Swelling or edema is a condition developed due to the accumulation of fluids in the body tissues. The accumulation of fluids may occur due to certain medicines, problems related to the heart, liver, or kidney, certain infections, and tumors, or blockage of the lymph nodes (lymphedema).
Signs of swelling or edema in cancer patients
Swelling is a generalized term for edema, it is recognized by puffiness of the skin. Signs of edema include –
- Swelling in the feet, ankle, and legs
- Swelling on the hands and arms
- Swelling on the face and abdomen
- Skin becomes puffy and shiny
- Breathing problem
- Cough
- Irregular heartbeat
How swelling and edema is diagnosed
It can be diagnosed clinically by a physician or medical professional without requiring any diagnostic tool.
It can be confirmed clinically by putting your finger on the affected part.
Apply finger pressure on the leg for few seconds and then observe.
A hollow will appear on that point.
If this gap takes more than 30 seconds to fill, it is edema.
Ascites
Ascites is a word used for the accumulation of excess free fluids in the abdomen or belly due to pressure from the presence of tumors. The fluid in the ascites may push the lungs.
Sign and symptoms of ascites
- The patient may experience symptoms like heaviness and pain in the abdomen or sometimes weight gain.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breathing problem while lying down
- Fatigue
Diagnosis of ascites
It is diagnosed with the help of an ultrasound test. In severe cases, a general physician can confirm its presence by checking with his hands.
Why swelling, edema and ascites are commonly seen in cancer patients?
- Cancer cells cause damage to the body tissues due to which leakage of fluid occurs and gets accumulated in the body tissues.
2. Cancer cells can spread to the liver which results in high fluid pressure.
Cancers in which Swelling, Edema, and Ascites are the common side effect
- Liver cancer
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Bowel cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Gall bladder cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Ways to manage Swelling, Edema, and Ascites
- If you are suffering from significant ascites, diuretics should be taken on a doctor’s prescription. It increases urine output. Excess water can be eliminated from the body in the form of urine.
- Reduce salt intake
- Consume fiber-rich foods
- Keep your legs raised by placing pillows below
- Weigh yourself in every 1-2 days
- Wear loose comfortable clothes
When to see a doctor
Visit your doctor if there are the following sign and symptoms –
- Hard and puffy abdomen
- Loss of appetite for more than a day
- Breathing problem and fast heartbeat
- Not able to pass urine
- Puffiness on the face and neck in the morning
- A lot of weight gain in less than a week
- The affected swollen area becomes red or hot
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