Does liver resection treat liver metastases?

Liver metastases are cancer deposits that began in another organ. Resection removes deposits within the liver, but it does not by itself treat the original cancer or disease elsewhere. Surgery is considered when the liver deposits can be removed or controlled safely, the remaining liver should function adequately, and the wider treatment plan addresses the source cancer. The number, size, position, growth pattern, and response to previous treatment all affect the decision.

A specialist team reviews detailed scans, liver blood tests, the original cancer, previous medicines, and your general health. Treatment may be given before or after surgery, and some people may be offered a different liver-directed procedure or medicines. Ask for a clear explanation of the treatment sequence, the reason surgery is being considered, and how the team will check for disease outside the liver.

After resection, seek prompt medical help for fever, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, increasing abdominal swelling, confusion, heavy bleeding, chest pain, or breathlessness. Before surgery, report rapidly worsening symptoms or inability to eat and drink to your oncology team, who can advise on timely assessment.

Ask where the metastases are, whether all treatable liver disease can be removed, what happens to the original cancer treatment, which alternatives are available, and how recovery and follow-up will be organised.