Liver metastasis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Liver metastasis
Synonyms	Secondary liver cancer
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, hepatomegaly
Complications	Liver failure, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy
Onset	Variable, depending on primary cancer
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Metastasis from primary cancers such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer
Risks	Advanced stage of primary cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis
Diagnosis	Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI), biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Hepatocellular carcinoma, benign liver tumors, liver abscess
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, targeted therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally poor, varies with primary cancer type and treatment response
Frequency	Common in advanced cancer stages
Deaths	N/A

Adenocarcinoma liver metastasis

Secondary tumor deposits in the liver from a primary cancer of the pancreas

Metastasis sites for common cancers

Summary of metastasis sites for common cancers

[[File:MetstoLiver.png|left|thumb|Liver metastasis Liver metastasis, also known as hepatic metastasis, refers to the spread of cancer cells from their original (primary) site to the liver. This is a common occurrence in the progression of various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Introduction

Liver metastasis is not the same as liver cancer, which starts in the liver. Instead, it is a secondary cancer that has spread (metastasized) from another part of the body. The liver is a common site for metastasis due to its rich, dual blood supply and the numerous biological factors that promote the survival and growth of metastatic cells.

Pathophysiology

The process of metastasis involves several steps, collectively known as the metastatic cascade. Cancer cells detach from the primary tumor, invade the surrounding tissue, enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and travel to the liver. Once there, they extravasate into the liver tissue, survive, proliferate, and form a secondary tumor.

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms of liver metastasis can vary widely, depending on the size and location of the metastatic lesions. Common symptoms include jaundice, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), and pain in the upper right abdomen.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of liver metastasis typically involves imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. Biopsy may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment options for liver metastasis depend on several factors, including the type and stage of the primary cancer, the size and number of metastatic lesions in the liver, and the patient's overall health. Treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with liver metastasis is generally poor, with a median survival time of less than one year. However, survival can vary widely depending on the type and stage of the primary cancer, the extent of the liver involvement, and the treatments used.

See Also

• Metastasis
• Liver cancer
• Hepatic artery
• Portal vein

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