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Liver metastases are cancerous tumors that have spread to the liver from somewhere else in the body.
See also: Hepatocellular carcinoma
Alternative NamesMetastases to the liver; Metastatic liver cancer; Liver cancer - metastatic
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCancers that may spread to the liver include:
The risk of cancer spreading to the liver depends on the site of the original cancer. A liver metastasis may be present when the original (primary) cancer is diagnosed, or it may occur months or years after the primary tumor is removed.
SymptomsIn some cases, there are no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Anorexia
- Confusion
- Fevers
- Jaundice(yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
- Nausea
- Pain, usually in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Sweats
- Weight loss
Tests that may be done to diagnose liver metastases include:
- CT scan of the abdomen
- Liver function tests
- MRI of the abdomen
- PET scan
- Ultrasound of the liver
Treatment depends on:
- The primary cancer site
- How many liver tumors you have
- Whether it has spread to other organs besides the liver
- Your overall health
When the cancer has spread to the liver and other organs, whole-body (systemic) chemotherapy is usually used.
When the spread is limited to the liver, systemic chemotherapy may still be used. However, other treatment methods may be effective. When the tumor is only in one or a few areas of the liver, the cancer may be removed with surgery.
The use of radiofrequency waves or injection of toxic substances may also be used to kill tumors. When larger areas of the liver are involved, treatment may involve giving chemotherapy directly into the liver, or a procedure called embolization, which blocks blood flow to parts of the liver to "starve" the tumor cells.
Expectations (prognosis)How well you do depends on the location of the original cancer and how much it has spread to the liver. In a small number of cases, surgery to remove the liver tumors may lead to a cure. This is usually only possible in patients with certain tumor types (for example, colorectal cancer), and when there are a limited number of tumors in the liver.
In most cases, cancer that has spread to the liver is not curable. Patients with liver metastases usually die of their disease eventually. However, treatments may help shrink tumors, improve life expectancy, and relieve symptoms.
ComplicationsComplications are generally the result of tumors spreading to a large area of the liver.
They can include:
- Blockage of the flow of bile
- Decreased appetite
- Fever
- Liver failure (usually only in the late stages of disease)
- Pain
- Weight loss
Call your health care provider if you have cancer and suspect that it has spread to the liver. Anyone who has had a type of cancer that can spread to the liver should be aware of the signs and symptoms listed above, and call a physician if any of these develop.
PreventionEarly detection of some types of cancer may prevent the spread of these cancers to the liver.
ReferencesLewis RL. Liver and biliary tract tumors. In Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 206.
What else can I help you with?
What is the downside of liver transplantation?
There is a high risk of tumor recurrence and metastases after transplantation.
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Visceral metastases are cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumor to organs like the liver, lungs, or brain. This can happen through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Visceral metastases can significantly impact treatment options and the overall prognosis for a person with cancer.
What is the goal of esophagogastrectomy?
to relieve difficult or painful swallowing (dysphagia) in patients with advanced esophageal cancer, and to prevent or slow the spread of metastases to more distant organs such as the liver or the brain.
What factors is treatment for liver cancer based on?
Treatment of liver cancer is based on several factors, including the type of cancer; stage; location of other primary cancers or metastases in the patient's body; the patient's age; and other coexisting diseases, including cirrhosis.
What are the causes of non tender hepatomegaly?
Non-tender hepatomegaly can be caused by various factors including liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis, and certain cancers such as lymphoma or liver metastases. Other possible causes include congestive heart failure, amyloidosis, and some infectious diseases like malaria or tuberculosis. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
How does a gallbladder tumor convert to a metastatic adenocarcinoma of the liver?
Metastatic adenocarcinoma is adenocarcinoma (a carcinoma that originates in the glands) that has metastacized (moved). In this case, the condition originates in the gallbladder and then moves on to the liver. This is not a diagnosis that is all that unusual. The "how" here is that when things arose in the gallbladder, the blood (circulatory system) acted as a transport. The liver is a frequent site of metastases, though not normally from the gallbladder. This is not an uncommon epidemiological phenomenon. Good luck with further evaluation and treatment.
Are Douglas pouch nodules in cancer cervix considered distant metastasis?
Douglas pouch nodules in the context of cervical cancer are typically regarded as peritoneal metastases rather than distant metastases. They indicate the spread of cancer within the pelvic cavity, particularly involving the peritoneum. This localized spread can signify advanced disease, but it is not classified as distant metastasis, which usually refers to cancer spread to distant organs like the lungs or liver.
What is treatment of multiple small low density in the liver?
The treatment for multiple small low-density lesions in the liver depends on their underlying cause. Common causes include fatty liver, hemangiomas, or cysts, which may not require specific treatment. However, if the lesions are suspicious for cancer or metastases, further evaluation and management, such as biopsy or surgical removal, may be needed. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What does it mean if a spot shows up on liver from CT scan?
A spot on the liver seen on a CT scan can indicate various conditions, ranging from benign lesions like hemangiomas or cysts to more serious issues such as liver tumors or metastases from other cancers. Further evaluation, including additional imaging or a biopsy, may be necessary to determine the nature of the spot. It's essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
What abnormal results are associated with alkaline phosphatase testing?
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Cancer in the liver?
Cancer in the liver, also known as primary liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma, occurs when cancerous cells develop in the liver tissue. Liver cancer can also refer to cancer that has spread to the liver from other parts of the body, known as liver metastases. Causes and Risk Factors: Chronic viral hepatitis: Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses increases the risk of developing liver cancer. Cirrhosis: Long-term liver damage and scarring (cirrhosis) caused by conditions such as alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or chronic viral hepatitis can increase the risk of liver cancer. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A condition characterized by the buildup of fat in the liver, often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Exposure to aflatoxins: Consuming foods contaminated with aflatoxins, a type of mold toxin, can increase the risk of liver cancer. Alcohol abuse: Excessive and long-term alcohol consumption can damage the liver cells and increase the risk of liver cancer. Symptoms: Abdominal pain or tenderness Unintentional weight loss Loss of appetite Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Fatigue and weakness Nausea and vomiting Swelling in the abdomen Enlarged liver or a palpable mass in the abdomen
What is a hypoattenuating lesion in the liver?
A hypoattenuating lesion is a type of abnormal tissue that can show up on computed tomography. On the scan, the lesion shows up as brighter and whiter than what is considered normal. The lesion can indicate an array of medical issues and it warrants further investigation.
