Metastatic Liver Cancer
What is Metastatic Liver Cancer?
Metastatic liver cancer, also known as secondary liver cancer, begins as a primary cancer in another organ outside of the liver, and eventually migrates to the liver.
In fact, the liver is the most common site (after the lymph nodes) for cancers to spread. Most of these originate from cancers of the eye, colon, rectum, pancreas, stomach, esophagus, breast, lung, melanoma and some other less common sites.
Symptoms of Metastases to the Liver
Often, secondary liver cancer does not cause symptoms during early stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms associated with liver disease often develop, including:
- Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side; the pain may extend to the back and shoulder
- Swollen abdomen (bloating)
- Weight loss, loss of appetite and/or feelings of fullness
- Weakness and/or fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice
- Fever
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek proper evaluation and treatment from a healthcare expert experienced in the diagnosis and liver cancer treatment options.
Liver Cancer Nurse Navigator
A clinical nurse navigator serves an important role as facilitator and guide for patients, providing resources, access to clinical providers and answering questions throughout the cancer journey.
Risk Factors for Metastases to the Liver
Most cancers can metastasise to the liver. The following primary cancer sites are those most likely to cause liver metastases:
- Colon/Rectum
- Stomach
- Esophagus
- Pancreas
- Breast
- Lung
- Melanoma
- Eye
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Meet the Team
Your multidisciplinary liver cancer team at Hoag will guide you every step of the way through your care. We are here for you.
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Tse-Ling Fong, M.D. Director, Hoag Liver Program, Hepatologist
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Robert R. Selby, M.D. Program Director – Hoag Pancreas and Hepatobiliary Cancer
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Diana L. Hanna, MD Program Director, Phase 1 Research, Oncologist
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Tara E. Seery, MD Co-Director, Cellular Therapy Research, Medical Oncologist
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Phuong T. Nguyen, M.D. Program Advisor – Advanced Endoscopy, Interventional Gastroenterologist
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Paul J. Korc, MD Interventional Gastroenterologist, Advanced Endoscopist
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Diane Eadie, R.N., B.S.N. GI Nurse Navigator
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Peter V. Chen, M.D. Radiation Oncologist
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Brian S. Kim, M.D. Radiation Oncologist
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Shane A. Lloyd, MD Radiation Oncologist
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Kevin Lin, MD Radiation Oncologist
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Craig A. Cox, M.D. Medical Director, Radiation Oncology Program
Are you concerned about your risk for cancer?
We are here for you
Cancer care is a journey, one taken by you, your family and friends, and alongside Hoag. Hoag Family Cancer Institute can pair you with a dedicated clinical nurse navigator to support you with resources, connections to providers, and most importantly, help make you feel like you again.