Overview
Meigs syndrome is a rare condition in which a benign (non-cancerous) ovarian tumor occurs together with a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (called ascites) and fluid around the lungs (called pleural effusion). The ovarian tumor is most often a fibroma, but it can also be a thecoma, granulosa cell tumor, or Brenner tumor. Despite the presence of fluid collections that might suggest cancer, Meigs syndrome is not a cancerous condition. The fluid buildup can cause symptoms such as abdominal swelling, bloating, shortness of breath, and discomfort. Patients may also experience weight gain due to fluid retention, fatigue, and reduced appetite. The hallmark of Meigs syndrome is that all symptoms completely resolve once the ovarian tumor is surgically removed. After surgery, the ascites and pleural effusion disappear on their own without further treatment. This makes it very important to distinguish Meigs syndrome from ovarian cancer, which can present with similar symptoms but requires very different treatment. The condition primarily affects women, typically in middle age or later. Diagnosis involves imaging studies, blood tests, and sometimes fluid analysis to rule out malignancy. The treatment is straightforward — surgical removal of the tumor — and the prognosis is excellent, with most patients making a full recovery.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Abdominal swelling or bloating from fluid buildupShortness of breath or difficulty breathingFluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)Unexplained weight gain from fluid retentionFeeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomenFatigue and general tirednessReduced appetitePelvic pain or discomfortDry coughChest tightnessSwelling in the legs in some casesFeeling of a mass or lump in the pelvis
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 Meigs syndrome.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for 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 Meigs syndrome.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
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.How can you be sure this is Meigs syndrome and not ovarian cancer?,Will I need to have my entire ovary removed, or can the tumor alone be taken out?,How long after surgery should the fluid in my abdomen and chest go away?,Is there any chance this condition could come back after surgery?,Will this affect my ability to have children in the future?,Do I need to see a gynecologic oncologist, or can a general gynecologist perform the surgery?,What should I do if my breathing gets significantly worse before the surgery date?
Common questions about Meigs syndrome
What is Meigs syndrome?
Meigs syndrome is a rare condition in which a benign (non-cancerous) ovarian tumor occurs together with a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (called ascites) and fluid around the lungs (called pleural effusion). The ovarian tumor is most often a fibroma, but it can also be a thecoma, granulosa cell tumor, or Brenner tumor. Despite the presence of fluid collections that might suggest cancer, Meigs syndrome is not a cancerous condition. The fluid buildup can cause symptoms such as abdominal swelling, bloating, shortness of breath, and discomfort. Patients may also experience weight gain due to flui
How is Meigs syndrome inherited?
Meigs syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Meigs syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Meigs syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.