Management of symptomatic malignant ascites with diuretics: two case reports and a review of the literature.

Malignant ascites is a common complication of advanced cancer. It is associated with distressing symptoms and poor prognosis. Treatment may be aimed at the underlying cancer but is rarely successful. Therapeutic success for the available symptomatic treatment options for ascites is often limited. Control of symptomatic malignant ascites is possible with the use of diuretics in selected patients, is well tolerated, and should be tried first.