Overview
Atypical Meigs syndrome is a rare condition that involves a combination of three main features: a pelvic or abdominal tumor (which is not the classic ovarian fibroma seen in typical Meigs syndrome), fluid buildup around the lungs (called pleural effusion), and fluid buildup in the abdomen (called ascites). In classic Meigs syndrome, the tumor is specifically a benign ovarian fibroma, but in the atypical form, the tumor can be any other type of ovarian tumor or even tumors from other pelvic or abdominal organs. These tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous), but they can sometimes be borderline or low-grade malignant. Patients often notice increasing abdominal swelling, shortness of breath, and general discomfort. The fluid collections can become quite large and cause significant breathing difficulty and abdominal pressure. Some patients also experience weight loss, fatigue, and reduced appetite. The good news is that atypical Meigs syndrome is generally treatable. The primary treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. Once the tumor is successfully removed, the pleural effusion and ascites typically resolve completely on their own, often within weeks. This resolution of fluid after surgery is actually one of the hallmarks that confirms the diagnosis. Before surgery, doctors may need to drain fluid from the chest or abdomen to relieve symptoms. The overall prognosis is usually very good when the underlying tumor is benign.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Swollen or bloated abdomen from fluid buildupShortness of breath or difficulty breathingFluid around the lungsPelvic or abdominal mass or lumpUnexplained weight lossFatigue and tirednessLoss of appetiteFeeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomenChest discomfort or tightnessCoughPelvic pain or discomfortReduced ability to exercise or be active
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Atypical Meigs syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Atypical Meigs syndrome.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Atypical Meigs syndrome.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What type of tumor is causing my symptoms, and is it benign or malignant?,Will I need surgery, and what type of surgery is recommended?,Do I need fluid drained from my chest or abdomen before surgery?,What do my CA-125 levels and other test results mean?,How soon after surgery should the fluid buildup go away?,What is the chance that this condition could come back after treatment?,Will I need any additional treatment like chemotherapy after surgery?
Common questions about Atypical Meigs syndrome
What is Atypical Meigs syndrome?
Atypical Meigs syndrome is a rare condition that involves a combination of three main features: a pelvic or abdominal tumor (which is not the classic ovarian fibroma seen in typical Meigs syndrome), fluid buildup around the lungs (called pleural effusion), and fluid buildup in the abdomen (called ascites). In classic Meigs syndrome, the tumor is specifically a benign ovarian fibroma, but in the atypical form, the tumor can be any other type of ovarian tumor or even tumors from other pelvic or abdominal organs. These tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous), but they can sometimes be borderlin
How is Atypical Meigs syndrome inherited?
Atypical Meigs syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Atypical Meigs syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Atypical Meigs syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.