Role of the body mass index in the genesis of ascites in ovarian cancer: a forensic case and review of the literature.

The ovarian tumour is the seventh female cancer for incidence. In the advanced stages of cancer, tumour cells nourish on the peritoneal serous causing carcinomatosis and peritoneal function abnormalities with liquid build-up inside it. Ascites from peritoneal carcinomatosis is common in patients with ovarian cancer. An obese woman suffering from ovarian cancer was found dead in her home from secondary cardio-respiratory arrest due to Multiple Organ Failure (MOF). An autopsy was performed. The abdominal incision showed an ascitic fluid outflow about 20 litres in volume and a flood about one metre and half. An association between obesity and intraperitoneal fluid volume secondary to peritoneal carcinomatosis has been demonstrated. This finding could improve the prognosis of patients through actions aimed to reduce body weight. © BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2018. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.