If it is caused by cancer, ascites is referred to as malignant. Individuals with breast, colon, ovarian, uterine, pancreatic, or gastrointestinal cancers often develop this type of fluid buildup. The symptoms include shortness of breath, lumps around the belly button, fatigue, and difficulty eating. A person may also experience hemorrhoids, nausea or vomiting, and indigestion. To treat these symptoms, doctors often prescribe diuretics or dietary changes such as reducing sodium.

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