Liver Cancer FAQs
Several clinical scenarios can occur in patients with liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. metastasesSecondary tumours’ that result from the spread of a malignant tumour to other parts of the body. from bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.. Some of these are reported here as a Q/A format.
Q. Can liver metastases be operated if the patient does not respond to chemotherapyThe use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer.?
A. Yes, surgery is still possible, although the outcome is probably not as good as in responders.
Q. Can chemotherapy be administered directly into the liver?
A. Yes, it is called intra-arterial chemotherapy and is not commonly used in the UK. Few centres in France and in the US favour this approach, though it requires an invasive procedure to inject the drugs directly into the hepaticRelating to the liver. arteryA blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart. Apart from the pulmonary artery and umbilical artery, all arteries carry oxygenated blood. and does not provide any real advantage in terms of response or survival benefit when compared to the standard treatment
Q. What are the symptoms when bowel cancer spread to the liver?
A. They are non specific, very rarely pain or jaundiceA term used to describe a yellow tinge to the skin and a yellowing of the whites of the eyes. It is caused by a build up of bilirubin in the blood., most commonly malaiseGeneral feeling of being unwell. and weight loss
Q. If a metastasisThe spread of a malignant tumour to other parts of the body. in the liver is found on a scan, should it be biopsied?
A. No, because of the risk of spreading the tumourAn abnormal swelling. along the needle track.
Q. Can liver metastases be removed at the same time as the bowel cancer?
A. Yes, if the overall operative risk of the two major operations is acceptable
Q. Can liver metastases from other tumours be operated?
A. Yes, liver metastases from other tumours can also be considered for surgery, such as those ones from neuroendocrine tumours, renalRelating to the kidney. and breast cancer.
