Breast cancer may originate within the lobules, ducts or the nipple of the breast. If not detected early, breast cancer becomes more aggressive and invasive, and eventually gains the ability to metastasize, or migrate to distant organs in the body. Cancer metastasis is often severe and life-threatening--the American Cancer Society indicates that metastases are the direct cause of death in the majority of cancer cases. Breast cancer commonly metastasizes to the bones, lungs, brain or to the liver. Breast metastases in the liver cause a number of uncomfortable and potentially fatal symptoms.
Abdominal Pain
A common symptom of breast cancer metastasis is the development of abdominal pain. The liver is found within the abdominal cavity, and the development of cancer metastases on the liver increases the size of the liver and places pressure on surrounding nerves and other tissues. As a result, many patients with liver metastases develop abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, according to MedlinePlus, a website run by the National Institutes of Health. In some cases, patients with metastatic breast cancer may receive radiation treatment to shrink liver metastasis and relieve pain as their cancer progresses.
Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
Another common symptom of liver metastasis is a loss of appetite. Appetite loss develops when cancerous growths on the liver compress the stomach, leading to constant feelings of fullness. Often patients will suffer from anorexia, leading to severe weight loss over time. Breast cancer patients may also suffer from nausea, either from cancer growth or from cancer treatment, further decreasing appetite and promoting weight loss. Some medications, such as Megace, may increase patient appetite and protect against malnourishment, reports Cancer Supportive Care Programs.
Jaundice
In cases of severe liver metastasis, patients may experience jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Normally, the liver produces chemicals called bile salts, which travel through the digestive system to aid in digestion. Breast cancer metatases in the liver damage healthy liver tissue and block bile ducts, and this damage causes bile salts to leak into the blood. The salts deposit in tissues throughout the body, and cause a visible yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes and mucous membranes. Patients with jaundice may also experience pale stools, as bile salts contribute to stool color.
