Liver Metastases

Common Cancers That Spread to the Liver

Many cancers can spread to the liver, but some are more likely than others. Here are some of the most common:

• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Lung cancer
• Melanoma (skin cancer)

Symptoms

Liver metastases may not cause any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the tumors grow, you may experience some of the following:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Swelling of the abdomen (ascites)
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Dark-colored urine
• Easy bruising or bleeding

Diagnosis

If you have symptoms suggestive of liver metastases, your doctor will likely order a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis and identify the origin of the cancer. These tests may include:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can assess liver function and check for markers of certain cancers.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan can create detailed pictures of the liver and detect tumors.
• Biopsy: In some cases, a liver biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A small sample of liver tissue is extracted and examined under a microscope to identify cancer cells and their origin.

Treatment Options 

The treatment for liver metastases depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the original cancer, the number and size of the liver tumors, and your overall health. Treatment options may involve:

• Surgery: If the cancer is confined to the liver and the patient is healthy enough, surgery to remove the tumors may be an option.
• Ablation: Ablation therapies use heat, cold, or radiofrequency waves to destroy tumors.
• Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): This procedure delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumors through the arteries that supply blood to them (Click here to read more on Transarterial Chemo-embolisation of liver tumours (TACE))
• Transarterial radiooembolization (TARE):This procedure delivers radioactive particle  directly to the tumors through the arteries that supply blood to them (Click here to read more on Transarterial Radio-embolisation of liver tumours (TARE))
• Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: These drugs target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Palliative care: This type of care focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.

Prognosis and Long-Term Care

The prognosis for liver metastases depends on the type and stage of the original cancer, as well as the success of treatment for both the original cancer and the metastases. Unfortunately, liver metastases often indicate advanced cancer, and the overall prognosis may be guarded. However, with advancements in treatment, many patients with liver metastases can experience improved survival rates and a better quality of life. Long-term care focuses on managing any remaining cancer, monitoring for recurrence, and addressing any ongoing symptoms or treatment side effects.