Symptoms of lung cancer spread to the liver

The liver is in the upper right part of the abdomen and supports digestion, medicine processing, and many blood functions. Metastatic deposits can affect liver tissue or bile flow. Possible symptoms include fullness or pain under the ribs, appetite changes, nausea, unexplained weight loss, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, or swelling of the abdomen.

These symptoms do not confirm liver metastasis. Medication effects, infection, gallbladder problems, and other liver conditions can look similar. Some people have abnormal liver blood tests without feeling unwell, so results are interpreted alongside scans and the rest of the cancer history.

Doctors may order liver blood tests and imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. A biopsy is considered when the diagnosis is uncertain or tissue information could change treatment. The plan may include systemic treatment for cancer throughout the body, radiotherapy or another local approach for a selected problem, and symptom-focused support. Tell the team about all medicines, supplements, alcohol use, appetite changes, and bowel or urine changes.

Contact your cancer team promptly for new yellow skin or eyes, increasing abdominal swelling, persistent vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or inability to drink. Seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, collapse, or sudden confusion. Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Ask what the liver tests show, whether imaging confirms a liver lesion, and whether a biopsy would change the treatment choice. Ask which symptoms can be treated at home, which medicines need review, and who to contact outside clinic hours.