Abdominal pain is pain that is felt in the abdomen. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly. Pain in the abdomen can come from any one of them. The pain may start somewhere else, such as your chest. Severe pain doesn't always mean a serious problem. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs above, the pelvic bone below, and the flanks on each side. Abdominal pain is caused by inflammation (e.g., appendicitis, diverticulitis), by stretching or distention of an organ (e.g., obstruction of the intestine, blockage of a bile duct by gallstones, swelling of the liver with hepatitis), or by loss of the supply of blood to an organ (e.g., ischemic colitis). Abdominal pain can be acute and sudden in onset, or the pain can be chronic and longstanding.



Common abdominal symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. An abdominal lump or swelling may be present. Such a lump or swelling may obstruct the bowel, causing constipation. Fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity, causing distension and bloating. This collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity is called ascites, and is also seen in people with liver disease. The fluid is often drained to relieve symptoms of bloating and distension; excessive fluid collection may hamper normal breathing. The collection of fluid in the abdomen, and the pressure of a cancerous growth, may impede the return of blood flow from the legs.

Patients with chronic lower back pain caused by lower back muscles in spasm results in patients having difficulty in straightening the spine. In such a situation, the abdominal wall muscles have less opposition and become tight and shortened aggravating the forward bent posture. To test the strength of the abdominal wall, the patient can lie on his back and attempt to lift the head forward against resistance. Often, abdominal wall pain may be the presenting feature in a patient who has had lower back pain and stiffness for some time. He may have gotten used to these lower back symptoms and a careful history for such must be uncovered to get to the root of the abdominal wall symptoms.

Patients in the later stages, Stage III and IV ovarian cancer, the most commonly documented symptoms were abdominal pain and increased abdominal girth. These symptoms are not considered unique to ovarian cancer or directly related to the reproductive pelvic organs such as the fallopian tubes, the uterus, or cervix and ovaries, therefore, the possibility of ovarian cancer is often overlooked with these early symptoms. These early symptoms can indicate many conditions, not just ovarian cancer. Women should pay special attention if they have incontinence and abdominal pain that do not improve when treated.

Generalized symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss and fatigue are usually present. Patients with advanced mesothelioma are usually offered palliative treatment to reduce the discomfort from their symptoms. Pleural or abdominal fluid collections may be drained, and substances that prevent further formation and collection of fluid may be placed in the pleural or abdominal cavities. Surgery or radiotherapy may reduce some of the obstructive symptoms, and radiotherapy may be used to reduce pain. One or more anti-cancer drugs may also be used. A number of clinical trials are ongoing to find better ways to provide symptomatic relief to people with advanced malignant mesothelioma.