What happens if liver metastases is not treated?

Liver metastases means cancer that started elsewhere has reached the liver. Without cancer-directed care, deposits can enlarge, involve more liver tissue or affect bile flow and blood vessels. If liver function declines, tiredness, poor appetite, nausea, jaundice, abdominal swelling or persistent abdominal pain may develop. The original cancer can also continue to grow or spread to other organs.

The effects vary with the starting cancer, number and position of deposits, liver reserve and other health problems. Jaundice or abdominal pain can have causes unrelated to metastases, so neither symptom establishes progression on its own. Scans, blood tests and review of the original cancer guide decisions.

Ask the oncology team for a prompt review of the original cancer and liver findings. Treatment may include chemotherapy or another whole-body treatment, while selected people may be assessed for liver resection or tumour ablation. The team can also treat pain, nausea, appetite changes and fluid build-up. Bring scan reports, current medicines and a note of new symptoms to the appointment.

Seek urgent care for new confusion, fainting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, sudden breathing difficulty, or rapidly increasing abdominal swelling. Contact the oncology team promptly for new jaundice, inability to eat or drink, or a sudden decline in strength.

Where did the cancer start, and what do the liver scans show? Is liver function affected? Is disease present elsewhere? Could resection or ablation help? Which systemic treatment fits the original cancer? What symptoms suggest bile-flow problems or worsening liver function?