2.2 Pathophysiology secondary liver cancer

secondary liver cancer is much more common than primary liver cancer

this is when cancer has developed somewhere in the body then spread via the bloodstream/ lymphatic system to the liver

if the cells stay in the liver and make a tumour

this is called metastasis

the most common places for cancer to develop before spreading to the liver

bowel

breast

pancreases

stomach

oesophagus

lung

melanoma,

usually patients already know they have cancer when the metastasis are found

occasionaly secondary cancer will be found before the primary

If the primary cancer cannot be located

then it is known as cancer of unknown primary

symptoms of liver cancer are not noticable in the early stages

as the disease progresses several signs and symptoms appear

unintentional weight loss

losing weight without trying is due to the body’s inability to process nutrients properly

upper abdominal pain/ discomfort

pain or sensation of fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen where the liver is located is common as tumours grow

swelling in the abdomen, ascites

fluid build-up in the abdomen can cause bloating or distention often related to liver failure or cirrhosis that causes liver cancer

jaundice

yellowing of the skin and eyes occurs when the liver cant process bilirubin, leading to tis acumination in the body

fatigues and weakness

extreme tiredness or weakness is often reported by patients as the liver reduced function impacts the body’s overall energy level

nausea or vomiting

digestive symptoms like nausea and vomitting can develope as liver function deterioates

itching/ pruitus

bile build-up in the bloodstream due to liver dysfunction can cause persistent itching

dark urine/ pale stools

dark colourines urine + pale stools may result from liver issues affecting bile production and excretion

many of the previous symptoms would be classed as red flag symptoms

symptoms that should stand out to healthcare professionals as something that could be serious medical conditions

These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other liver-related conditions,

so it's important to seek medical evaluation if they occur, especially in individuals with known risk factors like cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.

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