If liver cancer spreads

Last medical review:

Cancer cells can spread from the liver to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care. If liver cancer spreads, it can spread to the following:

  • veins of the liver
  • lining of the abdomen (called the peritoneum)
  • lymph nodes in the abdomen
  • lungs
  • bone

Expert review and references

  • Kelly W Burak, MD, FRCPC, MSc(Epid)
  • Vincent Tam, BSc(Hon), MD, FRCPC
  • Duseja A. Staging of hepatocellular carcinoma. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology. 2014.
  • National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Hepatobiliary Cancers (Version 3.2021). 2021.

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