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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Normal To Have Distended Stomach When Suffering From Liver Cancer?

My loved one has stage iv cancer found in liver (secondary). Bones, brain, lungs were checked - he was going to have a colonoscopy done but through labored breathing it was discovered that he had a clot in his lung. He stayed in the hospital for a few days on blood thinners and I have noticed his stomach distended and some leg swelling. Is it important to find the primary? Or since it will be systemic treatment it really doesn't matter?
Mon, 1 Jun 2015
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Dear- Unfortunately, stage IV liver cancer has very poor prognosis.The abdominal distention most likely is secondary to liver failure, increased in the portal pressure which is the area of inferior vena cava, which causes the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen . This is what is called ascites and it is part of the complication of liver failure. The treatment is diuretics and fluid restrictions, also low salt diet. However, sometimes needs drainage of the fluid. You might need to contact your doctor for an evaluation of this complication,
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Is It Normal To Have Distended Stomach When Suffering From Liver Cancer?

Dear- Unfortunately, stage IV liver cancer has very poor prognosis.The abdominal distention most likely is secondary to liver failure, increased in the portal pressure which is the area of inferior vena cava, which causes the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen . This is what is called ascites and it is part of the complication of liver failure. The treatment is diuretics and fluid restrictions, also low salt diet. However, sometimes needs drainage of the fluid. You might need to contact your doctor for an evaluation of this complication,