What are malignant ascites?

Malignant ascites is a disease in which the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen accumulates with fluid, according to Cancer Therapy. Most cases of ascites are caused by liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension, but between 7 and 10 percent of individuals with ascites developed it because of a malignancy

The most common cancers that can result in malignant ascites are cancers of the breast, colon, lungs, liver, pancreas or lymphoma, explains Cancer Therapy. Some of the clinical assessment findings of patients with malignant ascites include spider angiomas, distended umbilical veins, sclera icterus and jaundice. Most people with malignant ascites have a life expectancy of one to four months.