Which specialist treats liver metastases?

Liver metastases are cancer deposits that began elsewhere and reached the liver. The original cancer, number and position of liver lesions, liver function and overall health all shape the plan. A medical oncologist reviews drug treatments such as chemotherapy. A hepatobiliary or surgical oncologist considers whether liver resection could remove selected lesions. An interventional radiologist may assess tumour ablation or another image-guided approach. The team may also involve a radiologist, pathologist, specialist nurse and palliative-care clinician.

Bring biopsy reports, scan images and reports, current medicines, and a list of previous cancer treatments. Ask which specialist is coordinating the team and whether the treatment aim is to control the cancer, reduce symptoms, or make a procedure possible. Ask how the primary cancer affects choices, whether liver surgery or tumour ablation is suitable, and how liver blood tests will be monitored. You can read about Liver Resection, Tumour Ablation and Chemotherapy before the consultation.

Contact your cancer team promptly for new yellowing of the skin or eyes, worsening abdominal swelling, persistent vomiting, confusion, severe abdominal pain, or unusual bleeding. Jaundice and persistent abdominal pain can have several causes, but they deserve assessment, especially during cancer treatment. Seek emergency help for sudden severe pain, fainting, difficulty breathing, or marked drowsiness.

Which specialist will lead my care? What information from the original tumour guides treatment? Could surgery, ablation, chemotherapy, or a combination be considered? What tests will show whether treatment is working? Which symptoms should make me call the team the same day?