The liver is a very important organ of the hematopoietic system. Metastases are characteristic of most types of cancer. Most often, the pathological process is secondary in nature, that is, it forms against the background of the underlying disease, however, there are types of tumors that are detected later than the primary focus of the neoplasm.
What is metastasis?
Malignant cells are endowed with unique functions - continuous division and the ability to migrate throughout the body. Such cells that separate from the primary focus and move to other internal organs are called metastases. Most often, they move along with the flow of blood and lymph in the body.
Metastatic damage to the liver can be single, that is, a single cancer cell lingers in the organ and begins to develop, or it can be multiple - the presence of three or more tumor foci in one organ.
ICD code
The International Classification of Diseases is a list with an individual number that is assigned to each disease. ICD 10 metastatic liver damage has the code C78.7 "Secondary malignant neoplasm of the liver." In addition, tumor foci can occur without identifying the primary focus of infection. Such a metastatic lesion of the liver without a primary lesion according to ICD 10 has the code C76 "Malignant neoplasm of other and inaccurately designated locations" or C80 "Malignant neoplasm without specifying the location."
How do metastases appear
Single or multiple foci of the tumor in the internal organs have the following pathways:
- separation from the primary neoplasm and movement along with the bloodstream or lymph flow throughout the body;
- germination of tumor cells from organs adjacent to the liver, for example, the gall bladder, stomach, intestines.
Statistics have evidence that about 35% of all cancers in stages 2-4 have metastatic liver damage. With neoplasms in the stomach, mammary gland, intestines and lungs, the risks of additional foci increase to 50%. In rare cases, cancer of the skin, larynx and brain can metastasize to the liver.
Symptoms
In the early stages of development, metastatic liver damage may not have specific symptoms that may indicate new foci of tumors. In this case, the following manifestations are noted:
- sharp weight loss, anorexia;
- constant weakness in the body;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes in the inguinal region;
- the liver may slightly increase in size;
- slight discomfort in the area of the affected organ.
With a significant lesion, the following symptoms occur:
- pain in the liver, which can be either aching or acute;
- intestinal disorders - diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation;
- a significant increase in body size, this is especially noticeable on a very thin body: in such cases, the patient’s stomach becomes convex and painful;
- with tumor lesions of the bile ducts, yellowing of the skin of a person may be noted;
- ascites - accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity;
- if the enlarged liver begins to compress the front walls of the abdomen, then varicose veins can be observed.
In a severe degree of metastasis, damage to the central nervous system can be noted. It is characterized by the appearance of migraines, dizziness. Bone and joint pain may also appear.
Melanoma metastases
Skin cancer lesions are a classic example of metastatic liver damage without a primary lesion. In the organ, they look like black dots - accumulations of melanin. The affected liver undergoes changes that negatively affect the functioning of the whole organism:
- the consistency of the organ becomes heterogeneous, bumpy;
- areas with large seals are noticeable;
- the organ grows in size, a yellow skin tone appears, ascites;
- there are pains in the liver (in the right hypochondrium);
- decreased appetite, resulting in significant weight loss;
- there may be nosebleeds for no apparent reason.
In addition, liver metastases in melanoma can affect other organs, for example, increase the size of the spleen.
Diagnostics
Identifying single or bilobar metastatic lesions of the liver is quite simple. In most cases, they have the appearance of a beginning cancerous tumor, which consists of cells with a changed structure. Metastases can appear starting from stage 2 of the development of a cancerous tumor. The undoubted advantage of this condition is that even with multiple lesions, the functions of the organ are preserved in full.
Diagnostics occurs using the following methods:
- A blood test provides information about the change in the number of leukocytes, anemia, and hepatic transaminases. In addition, a separate study of physiological fluid for specific proteins - tumor markers.
- Ultrasound diagnosis is used to determine the localization of metastases in the affected liver.
- Magnetic resonance imaging provides a clearer image, which is important for determining a single or multiple lesion.
- A puncture biopsy of the liver is performed using a tool with a hollow needle to collect an organ fragment. After that, a histological examination is necessary to detect cancer cells. The procedure is carried out under the supervision of an ultrasound machine.
- Diagnostic laparoscopy is necessary in complex cases. It is an operation using a laparoscope - a rigid endoscope, which is equipped with a lighting device, an electrocoagulator, an aspirator-irrigator. The procedure helps to take the necessary parts of the liver at a time for examination, as well as visually assess the condition of the affected organ.
All research methods are necessary to assess the general situation before starting treatment.
Therapeutic treatment
For the treatment of metastatic liver lesions, various medical methods are used. They most often include:
- chemotherapy;
- radiation therapy;
- hormone therapy.
It is possible both to independently use these methods, and before or postoperative treatment with their help.
In order for the prescribed treatment to have results, it is necessary to diagnose part of the tumor to determine the sensitivity of cells to different drugs. Based on the results of the studies, chemotherapy and treatment with hormonal drugs are prescribed. The most sensitive to chemical preparations are primary tumors of the ovaries, prostate, intestines, chest, stomach.
Unfortunately, with multiple or bilobar metastatic liver damage, it is not possible to completely cure cancer. In this case, therapy is offered to the patient to reduce the intensity of pain, reduce the rate of division of cancer cells.
Surgical intervention
Surgery to remove part of the affected organ can only be carried out if no more than four foci of metastasis were detected during the diagnosis. Such therapy helps to increase the patient's life by an average of 5 years. The best results are observed in patients in whom the primary focus was found in the intestine.
Auxiliary treatment
In addition to the classical methods of therapy, additional methods are also used that are aimed at alleviating the condition of a sick person:
- Taking hepatoprotectors helps reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy. These are drugs such as Karsil, Essentiale.
- Folk remedies have a calming effect on the nervous system, improve the human immunity and give him vital energy.
- Vitamin complexes are necessary to maintain other body functions.
Unfortunately, a cancerous tumor that has metastases causes pain, so strong pain medications are often used.
Psychological help
Metastatic liver damage with prostate cancer or the presence of neoplasms in other internal organs does not give good predictions for recovery. However, the correct psychological attitude can significantly extend life. Oncologists noted that the survival rate of patients who did not give up was significantly higher than those who silently resigned to their fate.
For a sick person, the support of others is important.
It can be obtained both from relatives and in specialized forums that unite people with cancer. In addition, with friends in misfortune, you can discuss certain treatment methods, as well as find reviews about various doctors.
Cancer patients are often encouraged to maintain their own blog, in which, as in the online diary, they can share their thoughts, photos and experiences. This way of expressing emotions has a positive effect on the mental state.
How to eat
Metastatic liver damage in cancer of any localization requires patients to follow a diet to improve the functioning of the organ, as well as to avoid extreme weight loss. It is necessary to exclude from the diet such products:
- grilled meat;
- fatty dairy products;
- alcoholic drinks;
- butter and other fats;
- alcoholic drinks;
- soda.
In addition, the diet for metastatic liver damage must necessarily consist of the following food:
- legumes and cereals;
- fresh vegetables and fruits;
- olive oil in small quantities for stewing dishes and as a salad dressing;
- low-fat varieties of fish;
- whole grain bread.
Such a diet helps cleanse blood vessels and improve blood composition.
Factors Affecting Life Span
Life with cancer that has metastasized to the liver can be prolonged - medical reviews say this. How to treat metastatic liver damage is known, just as familiar with factors that can affect life expectancy:
- stage of development of cancer;
- location of the primary tumor;
- tumor size;
- the state of the patient’s immune system;
- early detection of cancer;
- the effectiveness and correctness of the chosen methods of therapy;
- the presence or absence of concomitant diseases;
- psycho-emotional state.
In addition, the patient’s age and gender also affect the likelihood of recovery or long life expectancy with cancer.
Forecast
Life expectancy directly depends on the type of cancer and its location. The prognosis for metastatic liver damage, unfortunately, is in most cases unfavorable, since foci are most often not detected immediately.
If untreated, the average human survival is from 4 to 6 months. Timely started chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormonal treatment can extend the patient's life up to 12 months. About 40% of patients who have been surgically removed from the affected part of the liver live for 5 years or more. A liver transplant can prolong the life of 75% of patients.
In addition, it is noted that about 10% of men and 17% of women survive to the first year after the diagnosis of “liver metastases”, and only 3% of men and 10% of women survive to 3 years.
Prevention
Unfortunately, no one is safe from the occurrence of a neoplasm in any organ. However, it is noted that most often the risk group includes people who have undergone such diseases:
- chronic gastritis;
- stomach ulcer;
- polyps of the stomach;
- adenomatous polyps of the colon;
- Crohn's disease;
- ulcerative colitis;
- diabetes;
- pancreatic fibrosis;
- chronic pancreatitis;
- bone marrow transplantation;
- glandular dysplasia of the uterine endometrium;
- cervical erosion;
- removal of the ovaries that affect the hormonal background of the body;
- bladder polyps;
- renal fibroma;
- benign breast hyperplasia;
- BPH.
It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, regularly engage in light sports, eat right and not have bad habits, among which smoking is especially harmful, as it has a negative effect not only on the lungs, but also on the stomach and intestines. This will help to avoid the above diseases, which can lead to the formation of malignant tumors in the internal organs of a person. It is also recommended to undergo an annual medical examination, which will reveal hidden diseases and begin treatment in a timely manner.