Liver Metastases
Liver metastases are cancerous tumors in the liver that originate from cancers elsewhere in the body. Because the liver filters blood from many organs, it is a common site for metastatic spread—especially from colorectal, breast, lung, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. Many people have no symptoms early on, while others may experience abdominal discomfort, fatigue, or abnormal liver tests. Imaging plays a central role in detecting, characterizing, and monitoring liver metastases.
What is it?
Liver metastases develop when cancer cells break away from a primary tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and implant within the liver. These metastatic cells then grow into tumors that may appear as one lesion or multiple spots throughout the liver. Their appearance on imaging varies depending on the primary cancer type, with some appearing solid, others showing cystic or necrotic areas, and some showing characteristic enhancement patterns.
Imaging helps determine the size, number, and distribution of metastases, which is critical for staging and treatment planning. CT and MRI provide detailed views of blood flow and tissue characteristics. PET/CT may be used to evaluate how active the tumors are and whether cancer has spread elsewhere.
Important to Know
Liver metastases are not the same as primary liver cancer. Treatment and prognosis depend on the primary cancer type, not the appearance of the liver lesions themselves. Many individuals remain asymptomatic until tumors become large or numerous. When symptoms occur, they may include abdominal pain, fatigue, unintended weight loss, or jaundice.
Red flags include sudden worsening abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, or confusion, which may indicate complications such as bile duct blockage or liver dysfunction. Follow-up imaging is typically required to monitor treatment response and detect new lesions. Multidisciplinary care is essential, and treatment may involve systemic therapy, targeted medications, or procedures such as ablation or liver-directed chemotherapy.