Ascites in Breast Cancer: Progression from Negative Cytology to Avid Peritoneal Involvement

Malignant ascites is caused by various factors such as lymphatic obstruction, increased vascular permeability and immuneresponse. It presents a significant clinical challenge to the treating physicians considering limited treatment options resultingin increased morbidity and mortality. It is mostly associated with gastrointestinal, gynaecological, breast, hepatobiliary, andlung carcinomas. Paracentesis is usually important in determining the quantity and etiology of ascites. However, unlikeconventional radiological imaging, 18F-FDG PET-CT can act as an early pointer towards its diagnosis. We present a case ofbreast ovarian syndrome highlighting the utility of hybrid nuclear imaging in solving this diagnostic dilemma.Keywords: Malignant ascites, breast cancer, cytology.