Understanding Metastatic Liver Cancer

Understanding Metastatic Liver Cancer
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Metastatic liver cancer is a tumor in the liver that originated in another part of the body. It is also known as secondary liver cancer because the liver is not the primary source of the cancerous growth, it is the secondary site. The earlier the signs and symptoms are recognized the better, so treatment can begin before the cancer grows or even continues to spread.

Causes

Secondary liver cancer is caused by an uncontrolled division and development of cancerous cells, otherwise known as a tumor. The tumor starts in one area and spreads. When a cancer spreads it is metastasizing.

First cells enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system where they are carried to the liver. Because this organ is involved in so many different functions, including the filtering of toxins from the blood, it is possible that the growth may have spread from several different sites, including the lungs, breast, kidney, or stomach, although colorectal is the most common primary cancer. It is also possible that the origin location is unknown because the primary tumor is not causing symptoms and it is too small to detect.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of metastatic cancer in the liver? How can it be recognized? Secondary liver cancer can exist for a long period of time with no symptoms or physical signs. In fact, the primary cancer may not be causing any symptoms either. Usually, a tumor is detected through routine medical testing. Possible symptoms that can be recognized without the help of medical technology include:

  • Unexplained lethargy
  • Appetite loss
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Slight pain or discomfort in the upper, right abdomen because of liver enlargement
  • Pain in the right shoulder because an enlarged liver would stimulate nerves in the diaphragm, which are connected to the right shoulder
  • Dark-colored urine, yellowish, itchy skin, and pale-colored stools because of jaundice

If several of the symptoms of secondary liver cancer are present, and there is no other definite explanation, it is important to see a doctor to find out for sure if there is a spread of cancer.

In the Doctor’s Office

There are several tests which are used to recognize secondary cancer in the liver. A simple physical examination will tell a physician if the liver is enlarged. An oncologist may run several tests to verify, and to see if the cancer has metastasized beyond the liver. Possible tests include Extreme Drug Resistance (to find out how resistant the cancer is to chemotherapeutic drugs), Gamma PET (detection through radiation), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (detailed images through the use of magnets and radio frequencies).

It is much easier to detect liver cancer in the later stages. Unfortunately this is not very helpful as the earlier a tumor is detected, the easier it is to treat. This is why routine visits to the doctor are a very good idea.

Treatment Options

The treatment of secondary liver cancer depends on many factors, including the size, stage, and severity of the primary tumor. Often more than one form of treatment is used. Some of the most common solutions include chemotherapy drugs, which can potentially shrink the cancerous growth. Chemoembolization, which is used for an advanced case, involves the direct injection into the blood vessels that feed the tumor. Radiation can be used to go after the growth, and with today’s technology doctors are able to affect the cancer without affecting the surrounding tissue. Alternative and complementary therapies can also be part of the cancer treatment. Using treatments such as mind-body medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine can at least improve mental and physical well-being while trying to fight the cancer.

Metastatic liver cancer is undoubtedly a serious illness. Especially if the primary and secondary growths have had time to grow and develop, it can be difficult to treat. See your doctor if it is possible that you are experiencing symptoms, get regular check-ups, and learn as much as you can about the range of treatment options.

References

National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/metastatic

Cancer Treatment Centers of America https://www.cancercenter.com/secondary_liver_cancer.cfm

Merck Online Medical Library https://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec10/ch139/ch139f.html

photo by: Jan Tlk (CC/flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/jantik/64574901/sizes/m/in/photostream/