Metastases in the abdominal cavity
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Often, along with the emergence of malignant neoplasms in the body begins the spread of small daughter lesions, called metastases. They are elements of tissues and accumulation of cancer cells, transported through the body with blood or lymphatic fluid flow. The most common metastases in the abdominal cavity.
The likelihood of metastasis increases with the growth of the main cancerous tumor, especially in advanced stages, when the disintegration of the formation and its dissemination into different parts and tissues of the organism occurs. The prognosis for such conditions is extremely unfavorable.
Consider the information on metastases in the abdominal cavity in more detail.
[Symptoms of metastases in the abdominal cavity
Clinic symptoms of metastases in the abdominal cavity directly depends on the immediate location of multiple formations.
Almost any organs of the abdominal cavity, including also the abdominal wall and retroperitoneal space, can become objects of destruction. Often, metastases can be found in the liver, stomach, intestines throughout its extent, in the pancreas, spleen, female reproductive organs.
In the first place, the suspicion of the presence of metastases in the abdominal cavity can arise in the absence of improvement in the patient's condition after the complete removal of the underlying tumor.
At small sizes of metastatic foci, obvious symptoms may not appear. This is the main danger of the disease. Signs of general intoxication of the body occur immediately during the disintegration of the tumor.
Can be observed:
- general depressive state;
- lack of appetite, progressive weight loss;
- weakness, drowsiness, frequent changes in temperature;
- nausea, usually accompanied by vomiting, not bringing relief to the patient.
When localizing the metastases of the abdominal cavity directly in the liver, yellowing of the sclera and skin, a feeling of bursting and pain of varying intensity in the right hypochondrium can be observed.
When lesions metastases of the intestine, there are often complaints of permanent disorders of the stool, the presence of bloody discharge in the stool, sometimes in marked amounts. In severe cases, the development of intestinal obstruction, or perforation of the intestine with subsequent internal bleeding and peritonitis is likely.
With the growth of metastases in the stomach Characteristic manifestations are nausea, regardless of food intake, severity, a feeling of pressure in the stomach, flatulence. There are almost no complaints of pain.
Do not forget that the number of metastases in the abdominal cavity can be multiple, they can be simultaneously in different organs, and then the clinical symptoms will be mixed.
Metastases in the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity
When the main malignant neoplasm is located in the immediate vicinity of the lymphatic vessels, it is possible to germinate the tumor into the lymphatic wall and spread the cancer cells, primarily to the nearby lymph nodes. The more aggressive and malignant the growth of the tumor, the more metastases can be directed to the lymphatic flow. In adverse circumstances, affected cells can disseminate with a current of lymph to a considerable distance from the mother's focus, but most often affected nearby nodes.
When removing the primary malignant education, a resection of the first lymph node along the way is mandatory, in order to protect the body from the possible spread of metastases into the abdominal cavity.
Metastases in the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity can be located in the abdominal wall (parietal nodes), or inside the abdominal cavity (visceral nodes), as well as in the retroperitoneal space.
With palpation, a pronounced increase and consolidation of the lymph nodes closest to the outbreak is detected, and their boundaries are not soldered to surrounding tissues. Pain syndrome, as a rule, is absent. Signs of general intoxication, headache, weakness, significant weight loss.
Diagnosis of metastases in the abdominal cavity
For the most reliable diagnosis of metastases in the abdominal cavity, first of all, the localization of the main cancerous tumor, the stage of its development, size is determined. Regardless of whether the maternal tumor was removed, first of all a nearby area is examined, where the spread of metastatic foci is most likely.
Of great importance is the age of the patient: at a younger age, the number and rate of metastasis increases.
An obligatory moment in the diagnosis of metastases in the abdominal cavity is the collection of anamnesis, the presence of clinical manifestations of dissemination of daughter cancer cells, conducting laboratory tests - a general blood test for the presence of anemia, the determination of blood tumor marker levels.
Additional diagnostic methods, such as computed tomography of metastases in the abdominal cavity, ultrasound examination, puncture biopsy or trepanopsy, are also required, with the material taken for histological examination. To detect a pathological process in the lymphatic system, lymphography is used. According to the indications, it is possible to perform magnetic resonance imaging (with separate layer photos of the organ), as well as diagnostic laparotomy.
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Treatment of metastases in the abdominal cavity
Successful treatment of metastases in the abdominal cavity directly depends on the stage of development of the maternal malignant formation and timely and complete removal. It is also important to detect absolutely all metastases, preventing their further growth and spread by hematogenous or lymphogenous pathways.
The main method of treatment of metastases of the abdominal cavity organs is surgical. It involves the removal of detected metastases, sometimes with elements of the affected organs. Especially necessary surgical intervention in cases of incipient decay of the main or daughter tumors, compression of metastases of important blood vessels and nerve endings, impaired lymph flow. Indisputable indication for surgery is difficulty in passing stool, germination of metastasis in the ureter, perforation of blood vessels.
Along with the surgical method of treatment, and also as a separate method, chemotherapy is used. Its essence lies in intraperitoneal administration of drugs, such as an antitumor drug cisplatin, an inhibitor of tumor cell growth of fluorouracil, etc. Such intra-abdominal therapy aimed at treating metastases in the abdominal cavity can last up to a year and a half.
Systemic chemotherapy includes intravenous administration of drugs that limit the distribution of daughter cells. These are drugs such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, topotecan.
Radiation therapy, a radiofrequency ablation method of metastases of the abdominal cavity organs, and cryosis of individual parts of the affected tissue are also shown.
With regard to the peculiarities of nutrition during the treatment of metastases of the abdominal organs, it should be noted that a complete refusal to drink alcohol, restricting the intake of fatty and spicy food in the diet will reduce the toxic effect on the liver and accelerate the recovery process. A healthy lifestyle, walks in the open air, and, most importantly, a positive attitude, a fundamental factor in overcoming any disease are welcomed.
To the main stages of treatment of metastases of the abdominal cavity, you can add some alternative medicine. Such medicinal plants as celandine and golden mustard are successfully used for cancer diseases. However, it is necessary to strictly comply with the dosage and consult a doctor, as uncontrolled doses of these drugs can have a toxic effect on the liver.
Prognosis of metastases in the abdominal cavity
A few years ago, the lethal outcome after removal of malignant formations was 15-20%. But in recent years, surgeons have been able to reduce this figure to 5%.
However, the problem with metastases still remains unsolved, so even successfully treated oncological patients periodically have to visit oncological dispensaries and carry out medical examinations.
Timely appeal to a specialist oncologist significantly increases the patient's chances of a favorable outcome of treatment.
In time, the operation to remove the main source of cancer cells, successful diagnosis and treatment of detected metastases in the abdominal cavity make the forecast more optimistic.
A mandatory course of rehabilitation after chemotherapy is important for the resumption of normal liver function and general strengthening of the weakened organism.
It should be understood that the more advanced the stage of malignant formation, the more scattered metastases in the abdominal cavity, respectively, the less optimistic forecast we have.
In case of late appeals to a doctor, or situations where the use of surgery or chemotherapy is impossible for any reason, the patient is given a course of maintenance treatment aimed at alleviating the symptoms and prolonging the life of the patient.