Metastatic colon cancer to the liver is colon cancer that has spread from the colon to the liver. It is typically identified in people with a previous history of primary colon cancer who are found to have an abnormal liver mass during surveillance screening. Liver metastasis can also be present at the time of colon cancer diagnosis.
At UPMC, our team takes a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating metastatic colon cancer that has spread to the liver, often using a combination of therapies to manage your condition.
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What Is Metastatic Colon Cancer to the Liver?
Metastatic colon cancer to the liver is colon cancer that has spread from the colon to the liver. It is usually identified in people with a prior history of primary colon cancer who are found to have an abnormal mass in the liver during surveillance screening. Metastasis to the liver can also be present at the time of colon cancer diagnosis.
How common is metastatic colon cancer of the liver?
In the United States, 140,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year, making it one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers.
Approximately 60% of people in the U.S. diagnosed with colon cancer will eventually have liver metastases, or the spread of cancer to the liver, making metastatic colon cancer 10 to 20 times more common than primary liver cancers. Metastatic colon cancer to the liver occurs most frequently in people with late-stage or recurrent colon cancer.
What causes metastatic colon cancer to the liver?
Metastatic colon cancer typically spreads to the liver through your bloodstream, but it can also spread through your lymphatic system or by directly invading your liver.
Metastatic colon cancer to the liver risk factors
You may be at a higher risk of metastatic colon cancer to the liver if you have late-stage or recurrent colon cancer.
Complications of metastatic colon cancer to the liver
Complications of metastatic colon cancer to the liver may include:
- Abdominal pain — May affect the upper right abdomen.
- Ascites — Bloating due to fluid buildup.
- Fatigue.
- Itching.
- Jaundice — Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unintentional weight loss.
How can I prevent metastatic colon cancer to the liver?
There is nothing you can do to prevent metastatic colon cancer to the liver. However, early colon cancer diagnosis and treatment can reduce your risk of the cancer spreading.
If you have already been diagnosed and treated for colon cancer, getting routine follow-up care can identify signs of recurrence or metastasis early, when treatment may be more successful.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Metastatic Colon Cancer to the Liver?
In its early stages, metastatic colon cancer to the liver may not cause any symptoms.
However, when symptoms occur, they may include:
- Abdominal pain — May affect the upper right abdomen.
- Ascites — Bloating due to fluid buildup.
- Confusion.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Itching.
- Jaundice — Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Unintentional weight loss.
When should I see a doctor about my metastatic colon cancer to the liver symptoms?
If you have symptoms of colon cancer or metastases to the liver, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
How Do You Diagnose Metastatic Colon Cancer to the Liver?
Metastatic colon cancer to the liver is usually identified in people with a prior history of primary colon cancer who are found to have an abnormal mass in the liver during surveillance screening. Metastasis to the liver can also be present at the time of colon cancer diagnosis.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects metastatic colon cancer in your liver, they will:
- Ask about your symptoms.
- Perform a physical exam.
- Order other tests.
- Review your health history and medications.
Tests to diagnose metastatic colon cancer in your liver
Tests to diagnose ulcerative colitis may include:
- CT scan — A test that uses a series of x-rays to create images of your body's organs, bones, and tissues.
- Liver biopsy — A procedure that involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for examination in a lab.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — A test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to pinpoint where the tumor is and help doctors determine the size.
Metastatic colon cancer to the liver prognosis
Colon cancer that has metastasized to the liver is a life-threatening condition. If left untreated, most people live less than two years. However, new treatment options are improving life expectancy and survival.
What is the survival rate for colon cancer to the liver?
With treatment, it is possible to live for five years or longer after diagnosis. Your prognosis will depend on the extent of the cancer, as well as your age, overall health, and other factors.
How Do You Treat Metastatic Colon Cancer to the Liver?
UPMC experts offer some of the most advanced treatment options for people with metastatic colon cancer tumors in the liver, including:
Liver surgery (resection)
Depending on the size and location of your tumor, and the general health of your liver, you may be a candidate for surgical removal of the tumor(s).
Surgery, either minimally invasive (laparoscopic) liver surgery or traditional (open) liver surgery, offers the best chance for cure or long-term survival.
UPMC’s liver surgeons are among the most experienced in the United States at minimally invasive liver surgery, which is performed through three or four small incisions in the abdomen. We perform this technique whenever possible to reduce pain, scarring, and recovery time.
Liver surgery and radiofrequency ablation
Occasionally, a large tumor in one lobe of the liver can be surgically removed, and a smaller tumor in the remaining lobe can be treated by thermal destruction with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) during the same operation.
Additional therapies for liver tumors
If your tumor is too large to be surgically removed, UPMC offers innovative therapies to help shrink the tumor so surgery is possible, or to manage your liver disease and extend your life.
Additional therapies include:
- Chemotherapy — Uses medications before, after, or as an alternative to surgery to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- CyberKnife® radiosurgery — A painless procedure that uses hundreds of highly focused radiation beams to target liver tumors with no surgical incision.
- Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) — A targeted regional treatment used for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. This approach delivers high concentrations of chemotherapy directly into the hepatic artery, the main blood supply to liver tumors, via an implanted pump or catheter system.
- Internal radiation with yttrium-90 — Involves injecting radioactive beads into the bloodstream that deliver radiation directly to the tumor.
- Intrahepatic chemoembolization — Chemotherapy is delivered directly to the liver using an implanted hepatic artery infusion pump.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — Uses heat energy to destroy small localized tumors.
Clinical trials
UPMC participates in promising clinical trials to explore new treatment options for metastatic colon cancer to the liver.
UPMC recently participated in a clinical trial of gene therapy for unresectable colon cancer metastases confined to the liver. As part of the trial, a novel virus was injected into the liver, followed by regional chemotherapy to enhance tumor destruction.
Why Choose UPMC for Metastatic Colon Cancer Care?
When you choose UPMC for metastatic colon cancer care, you will receive:
- Access to board-certified specialists — Our gastrointestinal specialists are experienced in caring for people with metastatic colon cancer to the liver and related complications.
- Expert diagnosis and personalized care — Our team will develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your risk of complications and improve your quality of life.
- A full range of treatment options — We use the latest nonsurgical, minimally invasive, and surgical techniques to provide comprehensive care.
