Metastasis in the liver occurs quite often, since the organ has a rich vascular network and intensive circulation. In a minute, more than 1.5 liters of blood passes through the liver, so the risk of spreading metastases by the hematogenous way here is quite large.
According to the ICD, the code for this disease is C78.7( secondary malignant hepatic neoplasm).Especially often in the liver metastasize cancer of the lactic and pancreas, lungs, etc.
Types of
There are various classifications of hepatic metastases.
- By location, liver metastases are divided into bilobar( affecting 2 parts of the organ) and unilateral( affecting 1 share).
- Depending on the quantitative indices, metastatic hepatic tumors are multiple( dozens of tumor nodes) or single( when 2-3 nodules).
Photo of liver metastases
Causes of
The formation of metastatic foci in the liver occurs due to the screening of the oncocells over the circulatory system.
If the metastasis to the liver structures is remote, this indicates the neglect of the oncoprocess, which has already reached stage 4.In such a situation, the chances of recovery are virtually nonexistent.
The cause of metastatic tumors in the liver tissues usually are primary malignant tumors localized in structures such as:
- of the Breast;
- of the Intestine;
- Gastric Tissue;
- Lung;
- Pancreas.
In hepatic cancer of grade 4
Any hepatic malignant neoplasm is difficult to treat, especially in the latter stages.
For the 4th degree of malignant process in hepatic tissues, irreversibility is typical, ie, it is impossible to completely cure such an oncology, because the formation grows uncontrollably, and the oncocells actively spread throughout the body.
This is an extremely dangerous degree of the disease, in which the risk of death is high.
Liver affected by tumors may refuse at any time. The fourth stage of renal oncology manifests itself vividly. Disturbing intense pain and manifestations of liver failure.
Pancreatic tumors
The pancreas is an important digestive organ. When its structures are affected by oncology, the metastases spread primarily to the liver, lungs and kidneys.
The reason for this metastasis is the close functional-anatomical relationship between these organs. There is even a special concept - the formation of the hepatopancreatoduodenal zone.
These include neoplasms of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, 12 duodenum and bile ducts. Metastasis in the liver with pancreatic tumors begins in 4 stages.
Cancer of the Blind and Rectum
Colorectal cancer often erases, and at the first stages of the pathology it can resemble an upset stomach.
A feature of such an oncology is the characteristic ability to metastasize primarily to the liver.
Survival in colorectal cancer with hepatic metastases is approximately 35%.
Although the final predictions depend on the degree of metastatic damage to the hepatic structures.
Without primary focus
Metastasis with a non-identified maternal tumor is by no means a rarity. Quite often, such metastases form in the liver, where they metastasize from the lactoseal tissues or organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
Such metastases also appear not immediately, but only in the last stages of oncology. Usually such metastasis is detected by computer or ultrasound diagnosis, and treated with resection with preoperative chemotherapy.
Symptoms of metastases in the liver
The clinical picture of renal metastasis is diverse. Patients observed:
- Reduced performance;
- Chronic weakness;
- Nausea and vomiting syndrome;
- Presence of vascular asterisks;
- Earthy shade of skin;
- Tachycardia;
- Hyperthermia;
- Ascites;
- Jaundice;
- Venous problems, etc.
Diagnosis
Special functional tests are used to detect hepatic metastases. Also very informative is ultrasound, but spiral computed tomography with contrast is much more indicative.
Final confirmation of the diagnosis is possible with a liver biopsy.
But biopsy sampling is recommended using ultrasound or computer tomography control. Additionally, an x-ray examination of the biliary tract and liver is conducted.
How to cure?
The approach to the treatment of metastases is determined by the degree of spread of secondary malignant tumors. Sometimes resection can significantly prolong the patient's life, although the final disposal of oncology in this way is often not achieved.
Video about the treatment of metastases in the liver:
Resection of
Metastatic formations are characterized by rather slow growth. Approximately 5-12% of cases with this diagnosis are allowed to carry out resection of the affected area. A similar method of treatment is indicated if in the hepatic tissues the number of metastases is small( not more than 4).
Usually in the process of resection, segmentectomy or lobectomy is performed.
Statistically, after resection of hepatic metastases, a relapse of metastasis occurs in approximately 42-44% of cancer patients.
An increased likelihood of recurrence of metastatic lesions occurs when metastases are localized in both lobes, and when resected, it is impossible to retreat from the tumor to a sufficient distance.
Radioembolization of
A similar technique is a rather complex technique of treatment. It involves exposure to a metastatic hepatic tumor by irradiation with radioactive yttrium( 90), which is delivered through special microspheres.
Sometimes irradiation is performed using the brachytherapy method, when the radiation source is located inside the affected organ. Usually the radiation source is implanted into the tissue for a while, and after use it is taken out again.
Chemotherapy
The chemotherapeutic effect leads to a halt of tumor growth in approximately 20% of cancer patients, and about half of all patients note a marked improvement in overall well-being.
Hepatic tumors tend to feed on blood from the hepatic artery, so cytostatic antineoplastic agents are often injected, directly into the tumor with a catheter.
Floxuridine is most commonly used in renal metastases. This drug is administered to the oncologist with the help of a specially installed infusion for 2 weeks.
Dietary food
The basis of nutrition in hepatic metastases is the principles of a healthy diet. Food should be light and not overloading the liver.
More often than not, experts recommend a Mediterranean diet that does not strain the liver structures and helps them fight the pathology.
- Four meals a day;
- Small portions;
- Eat more raw vegetables;
- Eat sprouted cereals;
- Freshly squeezed juices are required in the diet;Preferred way of cooking - steamed;
- Low-fat fish or meat is allowed, but only in a small amount;
- Daily eat sour-milk products;
- Light soups from vegetables, liquid cereals, flaxseed and olive oil are recommended.
Categorically excluded the use of any alcohol and fatty foods, pickles and canned food, food additives and soda, chocolate and cakes, roast, smoked products, etc.
Reviews
Irina:
Dad has cancer. The doctors were literally taken aback, they said that there was nothing to be helped. He had suffered from chronic sinusitis for more than 20 years, as a result, a tumor formed in his nose. At that time, the doctors calmed down that everything would be fine, the latest equipment, knowledgeable specialists and all that. After radiation therapy, they concluded that the tumor completely regressed. But soon he began to grow a lymph node in the neck, according to analysis revealed ultraboundary bilirubin, and liver metastases found. We are looking for treatment options, the most optimal and effective for our case and hope for the best.
Victor:
Unfortunately, cancer always comes unexpectedly. I was given pancreatic cancer with metastases to the liver. At first the doctors sent me to the open text, they died, they predicted that 3 months remained. It took 8 months, I'm sitting on polychemotherapy, but we buy the preparations ourselves. Oncomarkers after the first three courses have decreased from 85,000 to 640! !!What can not but rejoice. The main thing is to insist on carrying out a biopsy so that everything is clear with the appearance of the tumor. Then the treatment will be easier to choose the right one, as in my case.
Life expectancy at
liver metastases Often cancer patients die within a year after the detection of liver metastases.