Overview
The liver is the largest organ in the body. It’s found in the belly and helps break down food and turn it into energy.
Sometimes, cancer spreads to the liver from another part of the body. This is called secondary liver cancer. It may also be named after where the cancer started - for example, secondary liver cancer that started in the lung may be called metastatic lung cancer. To read about cancer that started in the liver, see primary liver cancer.
A secondary liver cancer diagnosis can be a shock. Find helpful information in Living with Advanced Cancer, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What's in this fact sheet
About secondary liver cancer
Read about how the liver works and which cancers can spread to the liver.
Symptoms and risk factors
Secondary liver cancer may not cause symptoms at first. As it grows, symptoms include tiredness, belly pain, and yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
Diagnosis
Blood tests, scans and a biopsy may be used to diagnose secondary liver cancer.
Treatment
Chemotherapy is the main treatment. Other treatments may include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and special types of radiation therapy known as SIRT and SBRT.
Managing symptoms
Read about symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, pain, jaundice and extreme tiredness. Understand ways to manage these and other symptoms.
Questions to ask your doctor
It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about secondary liver cancer care.
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