Secondary cancer in the liver is a cancer that started in another part of the body, but has now spread (metastasised) to the liver. see here ›. Sometimes, routine tests, such as blood tests, can point to a problem and further tests are needed. Most liver metastases start as cancer in the colon or rectum.Up to 70 percent of people with colorectal cancer eventually develop liver metastases. see here ›, Feedback on our cancer information. The liver is a large organ and can often carry on working even when part is affected by cancer. location - or select below: We can tailor this website to best suit the area you live in. After being told he had secondary liver cancer, Colin* waited more than a month to see a specialist at Capital & Coast DHB. If this happens a tube can be put into the abdomen to drain the fluid, or the fluid can be removed with a special needle. see here ›, Example of how donations have made a difference Benefits and entitlements: What happens when you apply for Work and Income support? For people whose liver is functioning well enough (Child-Pugh class A or B), initial treatment options might include: The liver makes bile to help digest food. Liver metastasis is a cancerous tumor that spreads to the liver against cancer that starts elsewhere in the body. It will be given a stage using the system for the primary cancer – for example, if it started in the bowel, it will often be staged using a system called TNM (tumour–nodes–metastasis). This type of spread is called metastasis, secondary cancer or secondaries. Cancer Society libraries have these books to borrow. Because all the blood in the body must pass through it, the liver is unusually acce… These cancer cells may settle in that part of the body and make a new tumour. You can change your region at anytime in If you have secondary cancer in the liver, it may be useful to read information about the primary cancer in conjunction with this information or about cancer of unknown primary. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and controlling the cancer for as long as possible. You may find it helpful to talk over how you are feeling with others, such as family, friends, your doctor, cancer care team or a counsellor. It started with … This will be considered if there are only a few secondary tumours in one part of the liver and the primary cancer is controlled. Your local Cancer Society’s can offer you a free copy of Advanced Cancer/Matepukupuku Maukaha. Where the cancer started is called the primary cancer. Primary liver cancer comes from the liver and often affects individuals with risk factors such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. This is the most common type of cancer in the liver. Other types of … If this happens, it is called a secondary cancer or a metastasis. Secondary cancer in the liver may not cause any symptoms for a long time. For example, if you were originally diagnosed with primary colon cancer, and the abnormal cells spread to your liver, you now have secondary liver cancer, or more specifically, colorectal liver metastasis . see here ›, The Cancer Society funds around 50 percent of cancer research in New... You need to understand: 1. what treatment can do for you 2. any side effects of the treatment 3. how many visits to hospital the treatment involves You can stop whenever you want to if you are finding it too much to cope with. The liver is the most common site for bowel cancer cells to spread to because the blood supply to the bowel passes through the liver as it returns to the heart. Phone the Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER (226 237) to speak to our cancer information nurses. This will be considered if there are only a few secondary tumours in one part of the liver and the primary cancer is controlled. This information was written in October 2010 by the Cancer Society. Email an Information Nurse, Feedback on our cancer information. In addition, expert symptom management often using a combination of drugs and supportive therapies, such as relaxation and massage, will be helpful. Information and support phone 0800 cancer ( 226 237 ) surgery is used for long! A secondary cancer in the upper right abdomen sometimes described as feeling like stitch it., Use this form to access our support services one way of describing cancer that has started in the from... 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