Lung cancer with liver metastases: signs, diagnosis and treatment

Lung cancer – especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can spread to other parts of the body, including the liver. When lung cancer metastasizes to the liver, it is called metastatic NSCLC or stage IV lung cancer. While there is no cure, many treatments can help alleviate symptoms and make the patient more comfortable.

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• What is liver metastatic lung cancer?
• Signs of liver cancer metastasis
• Diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer
• How to treat liver metastatic lung cancer?
• How long does lung cancer metastasize to the liver?

What is liver metastatic lung cancer?

Yellow skin and eyes are warning signs of liver metastases

Lung cancer that first appears in the lungs is called primary tumour. The tumor then spreads to the liver, called liver metastatic lung cancer . This tumor is still called lung cancer even though it occurs in the liver.

Signs of liver cancer metastasis

When cancer spreads to the liver, patients may experience symptoms such as:

• Yellow skin, yellow eyes
• Pain in the right abdomen (right lower quadrant)
• Appears a bulge in the abdomen
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite, loss of appetite
• Itchy

When a patient is diagnosed with lung cancer, if you notice any of the above symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer

To accurately determine whether lung cancer has metastasized to the liver , doctors may order patients to perform some of the following tests:

Blood biochemical tests:

Do a blood test to detect elevated liver enzymes

When cancer has spread to the liver, elevated levels of liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) can occur. Blood tests help detect those changes.

CT (computed tomography):

Strong penetrating X-rays help to clearly show cross-sectional tomographic images inside the patient's body. From there, it helps to detect signs of cancer metastasis to the liver and other organs of the patient.

PET/CT scan:

PET/CT scan effectively detects liver metastases

This test combines CT with positron emission tomography (PET). This technique uses a small amount of radioactive material called a radiometer. These radioactive substances will accumulate, helping to mark areas of cancer in the patient's body. Then a CT scan is done to find out where the cancer has spread.

How to treat liver metastatic lung cancer?

Each phase of treatment and rest (discontinuation of treatment) is called a cycle. Each patient may have to go through 4-6 cycles.

Possible side effects of treatment include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Increased risk of infection
• Hair loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Rash
• Numbness in hands and feet

These problems disappear when the patient stops treatment. Listen to your doctor's advice about medication or pain relief methods during treatment.

Surgery:

Surgery is often the treatment of choice for advanced metastatic liver cancer. This method is especially effective for a limited number of patients with metastatic lung cancer.

Radiotherapy:

Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It also prevents new cells from forming. Thereby reducing the symptoms for the patient.

This method can bring some unwanted side effects such as:

• Redness in the treated area
• Hair loss
• Tired

Targeted therapy

Some types of cancer carry genetic mutations that help them survive and grow. End-stage NSCLC therapy targets proteins that promote the growth of new blood vessels. These proteins feed cancer cells or make lung cancer cells metastasize to the liver to grow faster.

Side effects of this method may include:

• Mouth Sores
• Breathing problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tired
• Headache

Immunotherapy:

This treatment helps strengthen the patient's immune system. – organ that protects the body against germs and prevents the migration of cancer cells. One type of immunotherapy for NSCLC is called Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Checkpoints are "marked" points. These spots help the immune system recognize these as the body's own cells and not attack them. Cancer cells can "hide" behind checkpoints to avoid detection. Checkpoint inhibitors disable these checkpoints. The immune system can then find and destroy metastatic cancer cells.

Side effects of this method can be:

• Tired
• Fever
• Itchy
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash

How long does lung cancer metastasize to the liver?

The patient's ability to live after 5 years depends largely on the health status when the disease is detected

According to experts, the 5-year survival rate of liver metastases is usually low, about 3.7%. On average, the survival prognosis of patients with liver metastatic non-small cell lung cancer is 8 months. For small cell lung cancer with liver metastases, the survival time is only 2-4 months without treatment, and is increased to 6-12 months with proper treatment. However, these data are only approximate, the 5-year survival of lung cancer with liver metastases depends on the living environment, the health status at the time of diagnosis, the patient's morale and the development of the lung cancer. medicine.

See also: Metastatic liver cancer: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Lung cancer with liver metastases is a late-stage complication of lung cancer. When a patient diagnosed with lung cancer has any strange symptoms such as abdominal pain, yellow skin, yellow eyes, itching, etc., seek medical attention as soon as possible for timely diagnosis and treatment.