Cancer is the abnormal growth and survival of cells. Cancer cells can begin almost anywhere in the body and often travel to other organs or tissues. The spread of cancer cells from the origin site to other organs is called metastasis. Cancer that metastasizes to the liver is termed liver metastasis, and it is a sign of the advanced stages of cancer. Breast cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and stomach cancer are all examples of cancers that may spread to the liver. Liver metastasis causes a variety of symptoms that can be used to help diagnose the disease.
Jaundice
Jaundice is the abnormal yellowing of the skin and white parts of the eyes, or sclera. Jaundice can be a symptom of liver metastasis, reports MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. The cancer cells damage the liver and cause the liver cells to release their contents into the bloodstream. One of these released substances is bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment that is stored within liver cells. Excess amounts of bilirubin can cause the skin, sclera and other parts of the body to become stained yellow.
Weight Loss
Liver metastasis can cause significant weight loss, according to The New York Times Health Guide. The weight loss is apparent even when the patient is not attempting to lose weight. As cancer cells are always growing and reproducing, they need massive amounts of energy. The cancer quickly uses up any energy provided in the patient's diet and then begins to utilize the energy stored in fat and muscle tissue. The body is forced to break down these tissues to feed the cancer. This results in an unplanned and significant reduction in the patient's weight.
Pain
Patients with larger metastasis to the liver can complain of pain, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. The pain is caused by the tumor causing the liver to swell and push on the tissues encapsulating the organ. The pain is usually located just above the liver in the right upper quadrant of the patient's abdomen. The pain is usually dull and deep, and ranges from mild to severe.
Anorexia
Anorexia is the loss of appetite for food, and can be a symptom of liver metastasis, according to MedlinePlus. Patients in the later stages of cancer often manifest a disinclination to eat. As the cancer worsens, patients will develop more severe anorexia and may need to receive intravenous nutrition.
Fever and Excessive Sweating
Liver metastasis often causes the patient to develop a mild to moderate fever accompanied by excessive sweating, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Patients may wake up in the middle of the night sweating and feeling hot. If the fever begins to climb, medications, like ibuprofen, should be used to control the patient's temperature.
