Will ovarian tumor cause a big belly?

Ovarian tumors may cause your belly to enlarge, especially if the tumor is large or accompanied by ascites. The specific reasons may be related to the growth of the tumor, the formation of ascites, and the compression of surrounding tissues by the tumor. If you experience sudden enlargement of your belly, bloating, or other abnormal symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for examination and treatment.

1. The tumor itself causes abdominal enlargement

When an ovarian tumor grows, it may occupy more space in the abdominal cavity, especially some benign cysts or malignant tumors, which will reach a larger volume and directly cause the abdomen to enlarge. Some patients may find a faint bulge in the lower abdomen, similar to the symptoms of pregnancy, but it feels harder. In general, the size and nature of the tumor can be determined by ultrasound or MRI. If the tumor is confirmed to be large and has compression symptoms, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment, such as laparoscopy or laparotomy, depending on the patient's condition.

2. Ascites formation causes abdominal distension

Some ovarian tumors, especially malignant tumors, can stimulate the peritoneum in the body to produce excessive ascites, causing the abdomen to look abnormally swollen. This ascites formation not only causes the abdomen to become larger, but may also be accompanied by difficulty breathing, decreased appetite, and edema of the limbs. For patients with a large amount of ascites, it may be necessary to drain the effusion through abdominal puncture, followed by systemic treatment. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or other drug interventions can control the disease and reduce the accumulation of ascites again.

3. False abdominal distension caused by compression of surrounding tissues

Tumor growth may compress the gastrointestinal tract or other organs, causing poor gas discharge or gastrointestinal dysfunction, which can induce abdominal distension and further make the patient feel that the belly is getting bigger. In this case, dietary adjustments can be made, such as reducing the intake of gas-producing foods such as beans and carbonated drinks, and moderate exercise can be used to relieve the symptoms. At the same time, imaging examinations are still needed to determine whether tumor intervention is necessary in order to determine the root cause of the compression.

An enlarged abdomen caused by an ovarian tumor not only affects the quality of life, but may also be a warning sign of a serious disease. If you find that your abdomen is abnormally enlarged or bloated, do not ignore it. Go to the hospital in time to undergo imaging examinations such as B-ultrasound and CT to determine the cause, and take treatment measures as prescribed by the doctor to reduce the risk of complications and protect your health.