Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space of the abdomen. Though it can be caused by several non-cancerous conditions, when seen alongside a pelvic mass, ascites is often a sign of peritoneal carcinomatosis, a classic symptom of advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

So, what causes ascites? Can it be treated? And, does it ever develop anywhere else?

We went to Travis Sims, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist specializing...