Overview
Pseudo-Meigs syndrome is a rare condition in which fluid builds up in the abdomen (called ascites) and around the lungs (called pleural effusion) in connection with a pelvic or abdominal tumor that is not a typical ovarian fibroma. In classic Meigs syndrome, these fluid collections happen specifically with a benign ovarian fibroma, but in Pseudo-Meigs syndrome, the tumor can be a different type — such as an ovarian cyst, a borderline ovarian tumor, a mature teratoma, a struma ovarii, or even tumors from other organs that have spread to the pelvis. The condition mainly affects women and can cause symptoms like a swollen belly, difficulty breathing, and general discomfort. The key feature is that once the tumor is removed surgically, the fluid collections resolve completely. This resolution after surgery is actually what confirms the diagnosis. Treatment centers on identifying and removing the underlying tumor. Because the fluid buildup can sometimes be quite large, patients may need drainage procedures before surgery to relieve breathing difficulties. The prognosis is generally good when the underlying tumor is benign, as surgical removal is often curative. However, outcomes depend heavily on the nature of the tumor itself — benign tumors carry an excellent outlook, while malignant or borderline tumors require additional monitoring and possibly further treatment such as chemotherapy.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Swollen or bloated abdomen from fluid buildupShortness of breath or difficulty breathingFluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)Pelvic or abdominal massUnexplained weight gainFeeling of fullness or pressure in the bellyFatigue and general weaknessReduced appetiteChest discomfort or tightnessPelvic pain or discomfortCoughSwelling in the legs
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 Pseudo-Meigs syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Pseudo-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 Pseudo-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.What type of tumor is causing my symptoms, and is it likely benign or malignant?,Will I need fluid drained from my chest or abdomen before surgery?,What type of surgery will be performed, and what are the risks?,How soon after surgery should the fluid buildup go away?,Will I need any additional treatment like chemotherapy after surgery?,What follow-up monitoring will I need after treatment?,Could this condition come back after the tumor is removed?
Common questions about Pseudo-Meigs syndrome
What is Pseudo-Meigs syndrome?
Pseudo-Meigs syndrome is a rare condition in which fluid builds up in the abdomen (called ascites) and around the lungs (called pleural effusion) in connection with a pelvic or abdominal tumor that is not a typical ovarian fibroma. In classic Meigs syndrome, these fluid collections happen specifically with a benign ovarian fibroma, but in Pseudo-Meigs syndrome, the tumor can be a different type — such as an ovarian cyst, a borderline ovarian tumor, a mature teratoma, a struma ovarii, or even tumors from other organs that have spread to the pelvis. The condition mainly affects women and can cau
How is Pseudo-Meigs syndrome inherited?
Pseudo-Meigs syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Pseudo-Meigs syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Pseudo-Meigs syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.