ASCITES SECONDARY TO LIVER CARCINOMA Flashcards
the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, the space within the abdomen that surrounds your organs.
Ascites
Causes of liver CA
– Increase intake of fatty foods
– Fatty liver due to alcohol
– Fatty non-alcoholic or diet
Fluid accumulation is minimal and may not cause any noticeable symptoms.
Mild Ascites
Fluid buildup is more significant, causing abdominal swelling and potential discomfort.
Moderate Ascites
Extensive fluid accumulation leads to significant abdominal distension, difficulty breathing, and other complications
Severe Ascites
This refers to ascites that don’t respond well to standard treatment approaches like diuretics.
Refractory Ascites
In rare cases, ascites can become infected with bacteria, requiring additional treatment with antibiotics.
Infected Ascites
This is a rare type of ascites where the accumulated fluid is milky white due to the presence of lymphatic fluid rich in fat.
Chylous Ascites
This classification uses protein levels in the ascitic fluid to differentiate between ascites caused by increased vascular permeability
Exudative
ascites caused by decreased fluid removal
Transudative
Common signs and symptoms
Abdominal distension
Shifting dullness
Flanking sign
(increase abdominal girth)
a minimally-invasive, image-guided treatment for liver cancer. It helps shrink or eradicate tumors by targeting them and blocking their blood flow and delivering chemotherapy directly to the tumor.
TACE Transarterial Chemoembolization
a procedure where fluid is removed from the abdomen with a needle.
Paracentesis
Management:
Imaging studies:
Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan
Management:
In some cases, albumin, a protein found in blood, might be given intravenously to help draw fluid back into the bloodstream and reduce ascites.
Albumin replacement therapy
