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5. Swelling
When cancer cells affect the liver and surrounding area, they can cause changes in blood vessels and lymph nodes, resulting in a build-up of fluid. This swelling is known as ascites, and features a hard, protruding abdomen. The backup of fluids can be explained in a number of ways: the cancer cells may have spread to the abdominal lining and irritated the tissue, the cells may have increased pressure in the veins that drain through the liver, or they may begin to block the lymphatic system. In any case, ascites will not go away by itself, whether or not it is caused by cancer – you will need to have your doctor drain the fluid away.
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