Cancer begins in tissue cells and can arise from any organ in the form of a tumor. Malignant tumors are those that spread, or metastasize, from the original location of cancer to other parts of the body. The National Cancer Foundation indicates that the liver is one of the most common sites of metastasis, especially in the case of breast cancer as the primary cancer site. In the event of breast cancer spreading to the liver, the cells are comprised of cancerous breast cells, not new cancerous liver cells, and the symptoms depend on the size and location of the metastasis.
Lumps, Discharge and Redness
Primary breast cancer results in visible and textural symptoms of the condition. The Mayo Clinic indicates that a thickening around the breast tissue occurs and can feel like lumps beneath the nipple or surrounding area. The size and shape of the breast increases and the skin over the breast becomes dimpled. The nipple area may invert or a bloody discharge occurs. Swelling and redness, appearing like pits over the skin of the breast, is also a symptom of breast cancer. Male breast cancer symptoms are similar, resulting in painless lumping in the breast tissue, nipple discharge and skin puckering.
Discomfort, Pain and Tiredness
As the cancer spreads to the liver, symptoms vary and initially may not appear at all, the National Cancer Institute notes. Initially abdominal discomfort or mild right sided abdominal pain occurs. Feeling weak and tired accompanies the spread of cancer, which may result in nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. As the cancer progresses in the liver, the pain worsens. Cancer Research UK indicates that liver cancer becomes painful if the cancer presses on the fibrous tissues covering the liver or if the liver swells and stretches beyond normal size.
Skin and Urine Discoloration
A symptom known as jaundice occurs with cancer progression. The Mayo Clinic explains that jaundice causes the skin and eyes to develop a yellow discoloration. The liver produces bile, which aids in food digestion. However, if the liver swells, resulting in blockage of the drainage channels leading from the liver, bile builds up in the blood and causes the discoloration. Cancer Research UK further notes that this can cause urine discoloration as well as itchiness in the skin.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Symptoms
An aggressive form of breast cancer, referred to as inflammatory breast cancer, is rare but develops and spreads rapidly. The defining symptom is the rapid swelling and increase of breast cup size, which typically occurs in a few days, the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation notes. Skin itching, aching or stabbing breast pain and warmth to the touch also accompany this form of breast cancer. The areola, or area around the nipple, becomes discolored and shows texture changes. The lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone become enlarged as this form of cancer spreads.
