Liver metastases

Liver metastases or hepatic metastases are cancerous tumors that have spread to the liver from another part of the body. These are different from primary liver cancers, which start in the liver itself.

Causes

Liver metastases are caused by the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor located elsewhere in the body. This process is known as metastasis. The most common cancers that spread to the liver are colorectal cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.

Symptoms

Symptoms of liver metastases can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the metastases, as well as the overall health of the liver. Common symptoms may include jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue. However, many patients with liver metastases do not experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of liver metastases typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for liver metastases depends on the type and stage of the primary cancer, the size and location of the metastases, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with liver metastases varies widely and depends on many factors, including the type and stage of the primary cancer, the extent of the metastases, and the patient's overall health. In general, the prognosis is often poor, as liver metastases typically indicate advanced disease.

See also

• Metastasis
• Liver cancer
• Hepatology