In most cases, cancer that has spread to the liver is not curable, although the various treatments discussed above may help to shrink tumors, improve life expectancy, and relieve symptoms. However, patients with metastatic cancer to the liver usually die of their disease.
Complications:
Complications are generally the result of tumors spreading to a large area of the liver. This can result in fever, pain, obstruction of bile, decreased appetite and weight loss. Liver failure may result, but usually only in the late stages of disease.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have cancer and suspect that it has spread to the liver. Anyone who has had a type of cancer that can spread to the liver should be aware of the signs and symptoms listed above, and call a physician should any of these develop.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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