Liver Metastasis

Liver is a common site for cancer metastasis. Many cancers can spread to this organ, such as:

• Breast Cancer

• Colon Cancer

• Stomach Cancer

• Ovarian Cancer

• Kidney Cancer

• Malignant Melanoma

• Esophageal Cancer

• Testis Cancer

• Choriocarcinoma

This is a partial list. Almost any cancer can spread to the liver. Symptoms associated with this condition vary, depending on the extent of liver involvement. Most patients are diagnosed with liver metastasis on routine work-up of the cancer, when there are no symptoms at all. Others present with an advanced stage of a cancer when the disease has spread to the liver.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the abdomen

• Distention of abdomen

• Jaundice

• Abnormal liver tests

• Ascites

CT scan or Ultrasound of the chest can establish the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment should be initiated promptly.

Treatment:

• Almost all patients are treated with chemotherapy.

• Surgery in selected patients to remove the tumor from the Liver. This is indicated when the primary site of the disease is under control and the extent of the disease in the liver is very limited.

Response to treatment depends on the patient's overall condition and the type and extent of the underlying cancer.