Stage 4 Liver Cancer

Stage 4 liver cancer

is the most advanced stage of the disease.  This means the cancer has spread beyond the liver to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or distant organs like the lungs or bones.

Key Characteristics:

  • Metastasis: The cancer has spread from the liver to other areas.
  • Advanced Progression: The disease is at its most advanced stage. 
  • Limited Treatment Options: While treatments can help manage symptoms and potentially slow the progression, a cure is often not possible at this stage.

It’s a serious condition that can be difficult to treat.

There are two main types:

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common type, starting in the main liver cells
  • Cholangiocarcinoma: This cancer begins in the bile ducts within the liver

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of liver cancer is often unknown, several factors can increase your risk, including:

  • Chronic hepatitis B or C
  • Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes 
  • Exposure to certain chemicals

Symptoms

Liver cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages.

As it progresses, symptoms may include:   

  • Abdominal pain   
  • Loss of appetite   
  • Weight loss   
  • Nausea and vomiting   
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)   
  • Fatigue  

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer. They may include:   

  • Surgery   
  • Chemotherapy   
  • Radiation therapy   
  • Targeted therapy
  • Liver transplant

For more on treatments for this cancer read Ruby’s Story here.