Can liver metastases cause jaundice?

Liver metastases are cancer deposits that have spread to the liver from another part of the body. Jaundice makes the skin or whites of the eyes look yellow and may darken urine or lighten stools. Metastases can contribute to jaundice when they interfere with bile flow or reduce the liver's ability to process bilirubin.

Jaundice is not specific to liver metastases. A blocked bile duct, liver inflammation, medicine effects and other liver or blood conditions can also cause it. Tests may include blood work and imaging to identify the cause.

Tell your oncology or primary-care team promptly if yellowing appears or changes. Note when it began, whether urine or stools changed, and any itching, fever, pain, nausea or confusion. Your team may review medicines, examine you and arrange blood tests or scans.

Do not start herbal products or stop cancer treatment without guidance. Treatment for jaundice depends on its cause and may focus on relieving bile blockage, treating inflammation, or managing the underlying cancer.

Seek urgent medical help for jaundice with fever or chills, severe right-upper-abdominal pain, confusion, extreme sleepiness, repeated vomiting, bleeding, or rapidly worsening illness. These features can signal infection, significant liver dysfunction or another complication.

Ask what may be causing the jaundice, which tests or scans are needed, whether bile flow is blocked, and which treatments can ease symptoms or address the underlying problem.