Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer spreads from its original location (primary tumour) to a new part of the body. Liver metastases occur when a cancer spreads to the liver from its primary site. Liver metastases are different from a cancer that starts in the liver (called primary liver cancer). Primary liver cancers occur much less often than liver metastases. Liver metastases are a frequent problem associated with more advanced stages of certain types of cancer.
Cancers that spread to the liver
Liver metastases only develop if a person already has cancer. Certain kinds of cancer, such as gastrointestinal cancers, are more likely than others to spread to the liver. The most common cancers that spread to the liver are:
- pancreas
- breast
- gallbladder and bile duct
- colorectal
- stomach
- esophagus
- lung
- skin (melanoma)
- ovary
- eye
- neuroendocrine
Occasionally, cancer spreads to the liver but the original location of the cancer in the body (primary site) is not known. This is called cancer of unknown primary (CUP).
Where liver metastases occur
Single liver metastases are not common. People with colorectal cancer may develop an isolated or single liver metastasis. Most people have multiple liver metastases.
Liver metastases can occur anywhere in the liver and can involve one or both lobes.
Find out more about signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up after treatment and supportive care for liver metastases.