Secondary Liver Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment

Secondary liver cancer does not originate in the liver, rather it originates in the other parts of the body, like lungs, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, stomach and lymphatic system, and then spreads to the liver. Primary cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells which form tumors. Secondary cancer is caused by the cancerous cells that break away from the primary tumors and then enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system and spread to the other parts of the body. Cancer that originates in other parts of the body spreads easily to the liver, as the liver is the organ responsible for filtering most of the blood from the other organs, and eliminate any toxic substances.

Symptoms of Secondary Liver Cancer

Most of the times, secondary liver cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages, i.e. it does not produce symptoms. Some symptoms like weight loss and loss of appetite, anorexia, fever and nausea may be present, but these can't be termed as definitive symptoms of secondary liver cancer. In many instances, these symptoms may be produced by several other factors other than liver cancer. An enlarged liver is usually observed in the patients of liver cancer, which produces a discomfort in the upper, right part of the abdomen. Sometimes, a tenderness in the liver is also observed among individuals afflicted with liver cancer. Besides, splenomegaly or the abnormal enlargement of the spleen can be a symptom of secondary liver cancer, especially if the cancer originates in the pancreas.

Initially mild jaundice also can be present, which eventually worsens. Jaundice is caused by a blockage of the bile duct, due to which the bile flows back to the bloodstream and causes the yellow coloration of the skin and the sclera (white portion of the eye). Ascites or distension of the abdominal or peritoneal cavity can occur due to the accumulation of serous fluid. Ultimately, the liver fails to eliminate the toxic materials from the blood due to severe damage. This causes accumulation of these materials in the brain, which is referred as liver encephalopathy.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A proper diagnosis of secondary liver cancer is usually very difficult. It is often suspected if liver enlargement is detected. Blood tests are conducted to find out the level of alkaline phosphate, an abnormal level of which, can indicate liver cancer. Besides this, a liver scan, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scan of the liver are carried out to ensure the proper diagnosis of the disease. Sometimes, liver biopsy is also required for detecting secondary liver cancer.

The treatment of secondary liver cancer depends on the origin of the tumors. However, in many instances, the origin of the primary tumors can't be determined and only the metastases can be discovered. In such situations, it is quite difficult to distinguish secondary liver cancer from hepatocellular or primary liver cancer.

Secondary liver cancer is usually treated with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Surgery is often performed if the tumors are localized and are few in number. Chemotherapy is effective in prolonging the lifespan of the patients, but can't cure the disease, while radiation therapy can only relieve the severe pain associated with secondary liver cancer.

The early detection plays an important role in the treatment of secondary liver cancer. But the disease is very difficult to diagnose as in many instances, it does not produce any specific symptom. Only non-specific symptoms, like unexplained weight loss and the loss of appetite can be present. Besides, any discomfort in the upper right portion of the abdomen can be caused by liver enlargement, which is usually associated with liver problems, including cancer. So, it should be immediately addressed by consulting a physician to ensure the early diagnosis of secondary liver cancer.