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Liver metastases
Alternative Names: Metastases to the liver Treatment: Treatment depends on the primary cancer site, extent of spread to the liver (for example, only one tumor in the liver versus many tumors in the liver), whether it has spread to other organs, and the condition of the patient. Text Continues Below In situations where cancer has spread not only to the liver but to other organs as well, systemic chemotherapy (directed at treating the entire body) is usually used. In situations in which spread is limited to the liver, systemic chemotherapy may be used, although other treatment methods may be effective. When the tumor is localized to only a few areas of the liver, the cancer may be removed surgically. Use of radiofrequency waves or injection of toxic substances may also be used to kill tumors. When larger areas of the liver are involved, liver-directed chemotherapy (infusing chemotherapy directly into the liver), or embolization (blockage of blood flow to parts of the liver) may be used. Expectations (prognosis): Prognosis depends primarily on the site of the original cancer and on the extent of spread to the liver. In a minority of cases, surgical removal of liver metastases may result in cure. This, however, is usually only possible in patients with certain tumor types (for example, colorectal cancer), and when there are limited tumors in the liver. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>