What Is Primary and Metastatic Liver Cancer?
Primary Liver Cancer originates in the liver cells, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common type. Symptoms often include weight loss, upper abdominal pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment options which include transplant, ablation therapy, radiation and a newer approach to treatment is targeted therapies.
Metastatic Liver Cancer, also known as Secondary liver cancer refers to cancer that has spread to the liver from other areas of the body. This type of cancer is more common than primary liver cancer and often originates from the colon, pancreas, stomach, breast, or lung, and symptoms are similar to primary liver cancer. Treatment for metastatic liver cancer focuses on controlling growth and symptoms, with options including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and in some cases, surgical removal of the metastatic tumors. Early detection through regular screening in high-risk patients can significantly impact treatment options and outcomes.
In both Primary and Metastatic liver cancer, treatment is highly individualized, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, hepatologists, and surgical specialists. Early diagnosis and a combination of therapies tailored to the patient’s condition can greatly influence overall outcomes.
