Liver Metastases

Causes of Liver Metastasis

The main mechanism of metastasis involves the penetration of tumor cells into blood or lymphatic vessels. Once in the liver, these cells settle in the tissue and form new malignant foci. The most common causes include:

• Colorectal cancer

• Stomach and esophageal cancer

• Lung and breast tumors

• Melanoma, sarcoma

• Pancreatic cancer

The liver is often the first organ affected by metastases from these cancers.

Symptoms of Liver Metastases

In the early stages, the disease may be asymptomatic. As the number and size of lesions increase, the following symptoms may appear:

• Heaviness and pain in the right upper abdomen

• Decreased appetite, weight loss

• Nausea, general weakness

• Yellowing of the skin and sclera

• Liver enlargement

• Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity)

Symptoms depend on the extent of the lesions, liver function, and the presence of complications.

Diagnosis of Liver Metastases

Diagnostic Methods

To accurately identify metastases, the following are used:

• Liver ultrasound — initial step, allows suspicion of lesions

• CT/MRI with contrast — clarification of size, structure, and location

• PET-CT — determination of activity and spread of the process

• Blood biochemistry — liver function assessment

• Fine-needle biopsy — morphological confirmation of diagnosis

Comprehensive diagnostics help choose the optimal treatment method and assess the prognosis.

Differential Diagnosis

Metastases must be differentiated from primary liver tumors, cysts, abscesses, and benign neoplasms. Histological examination and PET-CT play a key role.

Classification of Liver Metastases

Several types are distinguished:

• By number: solitary, multiple

• By growth pattern: expansive, infiltrative

• By location: unilateral, bilateral

• By origin: intestinal, pulmonary, breast, etc.

• By metabolic activity: active and inert foci

This classification helps physicians determine the treatment strategy.

Treatment Methods for Liver Metastases

The choice of treatment depends on the patient's general condition, tumor characteristics, and disease stage.

Surgical Intervention

If lesions are solitary and accessible, radical removal is possible. Surgery shows good results, especially in colorectal cancer metastases. Partial liver resection, anatomical, and non-anatomical resections are used.

Chemotherapy

Systemic and regional chemotherapy is used to suppress tumor cell growth. Drugs are administered intravenously or directly into the hepatic artery. This method is effective for multiple lesions and can be used before or after surgery.

Radiation Therapy

Stereotactic radiosurgery and radioembolization allow precise targeting of metastatic lesions while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This method is used both alone and as part of combination therapy.

Palliative Care

If radical treatment is not possible, symptomatic therapy is performed: ascites drainage, pain relief, liver function support. The goal of palliative care is to maintain the patient’s quality of life.

Complications of Metastatic Liver Cancer

Complications include:

• Liver failure

• Bleeding

• Jaundice

• Ascites

• Intoxication from tumor breakdown products

Early treatment and regular monitoring help reduce the risk of complications and improve prognosis.

Prognosis and Survival in Liver Metastases

Prognosis depends on:

• Number and size of lesions

• Type of primary tumor

• Presence of metastases in other organs

• Treatment effectiveness

With early detection and combined therapy, life expectancy can be extended for several years. Some patients achieve remission after lesion removal and subsequent treatment.

Treatment in Russia

Clinics

In Russia, liver metastases are treated at leading medical centers:

• EMC (European Medical Center) — offers advanced surgical and radiation technologies and a multidisciplinary approach

• N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology — one of the country’s largest cancer centers, specializing in complex clinical cases

• MEDSI Clinic — provides cutting-edge chemo- and radiotherapy, including stereotactic radiosurgery

• Euroonco — a private oncology center specializing in personalized treatment, capable of performing complex surgeries and modern systemic therapies

All institutions operate under international standards and offer personalized treatment plans.

Cost of Treatment

Prices vary depending on treatment volume:

• Diagnostics — from $380

• Chemotherapy course — from $1,000

• Surgery — from $2,550

• Radioembolization — from $3,200

• Stereotactic therapy — from $1,900

Final costs are calculated individually, based on the treatment plan and clinic specifics.

How MARUS Can Help

The MARUS platform helps international patients undergo liver metastases treatment in Russia. The service organizes the entire process — from initial consultation to postoperative follow-up. MARUS partners with leading clinics, assists in doctor selection, handles documentation, and provides interpretation and escort services. Through MARUS, patients gain access to high-quality medical care in Russia, even from abroad.