What do mets to liver feel like

Abnormal levels can indicate liver disease or damage. In addition to liver function tests, doctors use imaging tests to diagnose liver metastases. You can read more about how these tests work in our Screening and Testing section. Your doctor also may recommend getting a sample of the suspicious area s for examination under a microscope biopsy. He or she may involve an interventional radiologist to obtain precise and minimally invasive imaging.

Using the imaging as a guide, the doctor can insert a small needle through the skin and into the liver to remove the tissue samples. The doctor also may recommend a procedure called laparoscopy, using specialized surgical instruments to operate through small incisions in the abdomen to remove some of the tissue. The samples can then be examined to confirm the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. In addition, your doctor can test the tissue for characteristics such as hormone receptor status and HER2 status, as these results may be different from your original results when breast cancer was first diagnosed.

Often, secondary liver cancer does not cause symptoms during early stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms associated with liver disease often develop, including:. A clinical nurse navigator serves an important role as facilitator and guide for patients, providing resources, access to clinical providers and answering questions throughout the cancer journey. Most cancers can metastasise to the liver.

The following primary cancer sites are those most likely to cause liver metastases:. Hoag leads innovative clinical trials, including immunotherapy agents, all pushing for more advanced, effective care for melanoma cancer patients. Your multidisciplinary liver cancer team at Hoag will guide you every step of the way through your care.

We are here for you. Cancer care is a journey, one taken by you, your family and friends, and alongside Hoag. Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research. Call us anytime. Metastatic liver cancer. Metastatic liver symptoms Liver cancer symptoms often do not appear in the early stages. Common symptoms of metastatic liver cancer include: Abdominal pain Pain occurring near the right shoulder blade or in the upper abdomen Loss of appetite, weight loss or nausea Abdominal swelling or bloating in the abdomen Yellowing of the skin and eyes jaundice Ongoing fatigue or weakness Unexplained fever Metastatic liver cancer treatment options When liver cancer metastasizes, it most commonly spreads to the lungs and bones.

Next topic: What are the stages of liver cancer? This page was updated on September 21, Donate to Gateway for Cancer Research Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research.