Metastatic Liver Cancer Blood Test

What is Metastatic cancers in the liver?

Metastatic liver cancer occurs when cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the liver through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. It is caused by primary cancers from organs such as the colon, pancreas, breast, or lung that metastasize to liver tissue. The Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Tumor Marker test is the most important blood test for monitoring metastatic liver cancer because it tracks tumor activity and treatment response.

RECOMMENDED TEST Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum, Tumor Marker
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What causes metastatic cancers in the liver?

Metastatic liver cancer is caused by cancer cells that break away from primary tumors in other organs and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the liver. The most common primary cancers that metastasize to the liver include colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and stomach cancer. The liver's role in filtering blood makes it particularly susceptible to receiving cancer cells from other parts of the body, and its rich blood supply creates an environment where these metastatic cells can grow and form new tumors.

What is the best test for metastatic liver cancer?

The Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Serum Tumor Marker test is the most important blood test for metastatic liver cancer because it detects elevated levels of AFP protein that tumor cells often produce when cancer spreads to the liver. This test is essential for monitoring disease progression and assessing how well treatment is working over time. While imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs are needed to visualize liver metastases, AFP testing provides valuable ongoing monitoring of tumor activity and can detect changes in cancer status before they appear on imaging. Regular AFP monitoring helps healthcare providers make timely adjustments to treatment plans and track whether therapy is effectively controlling cancer growth.

When should I get tested for metastatic liver cancer?

You should get tested if you have been diagnosed with primary cancer in another organ and are experiencing symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or swelling, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), or unusual fatigue. Patients with a history of colorectal, pancreatic, breast, or lung cancer should have regular AFP testing as part of their surveillance protocol, even without symptoms. If you notice new or worsening abdominal discomfort, changes in digestion, or if your primary cancer was known to commonly spread to the liver, immediate testing is important for early detection and treatment planning.

What are the symptoms of metastatic liver cancer?
Symptoms of metastatic liver cancer include persistent upper abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and extreme fatigue. Many people also experience abdominal swelling or bloating, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale or clay-colored stools. Some patients notice an enlarged, hard mass in the upper abdomen, fever, and itching. In advanced stages, symptoms may include confusion or mental changes due to liver dysfunction, easy bruising or bleeding, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites).
Who is at risk for metastatic liver cancer?
People at highest risk for metastatic liver cancer are those with existing primary cancers, particularly colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, or stomach cancer. Patients whose primary cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or has aggressive characteristics face increased risk of liver metastases. Additional risk factors include advanced stage of the primary cancer, certain cancer subtypes with higher metastatic potential, and delayed or inadequate treatment of the original tumor. Anyone with a history of cancer requires regular monitoring because the liver is one of the most common sites for metastatic spread from various primary cancers.
What happens if metastatic liver cancer is left untreated?
Untreated metastatic liver cancer progressively destroys liver tissue and impairs the liver's ability to perform essential functions like filtering toxins, producing proteins, and regulating blood clotting. As tumors grow, they cause severe abdominal pain, complete loss of appetite, profound weight loss, and liver failure. Complications include portal hypertension (increased pressure in liver blood vessels), internal bleeding from ruptured blood vessels, severe jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and altered consciousness), kidney failure, and life-threatening infections. Without treatment, metastatic liver cancer significantly reduces survival time and quality of life, making early detection and intervention critical for managing the disease.
Can metastatic liver cancer be diagnosed with a blood test?
Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose metastatic liver cancer, but they play a crucial role in monitoring and detecting cancer activity. The Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker test can reveal elevated levels that suggest cancer presence or progression in the liver. Blood tests also evaluate liver function through measurements of enzymes like ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin, which become abnormal when liver metastases affect organ function. While imaging studies such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds are necessary to visualize tumors and confirm diagnosis, blood tests provide valuable ongoing information about disease status, treatment response, and liver health.
How is metastatic liver cancer treated?
Treatment for metastatic liver cancer depends on the extent of spread, the primary cancer type, and overall health status. Options include systemic chemotherapy to target cancer cells throughout the body, targeted therapy drugs that attack specific cancer cell characteristics, and immunotherapy to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer. Surgical options may include resection (removing part of the liver with tumors) or ablation techniques that destroy tumors using heat or cold. Some patients receive hepatic artery infusion, which delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver, or radiation therapy to shrink tumors and relieve symptoms. Treatment plans are individualized and often combine multiple approaches to control disease progression and maintain quality of life.
How can I prevent metastatic liver cancer?
Preventing metastatic liver cancer focuses on early detection and aggressive treatment of primary cancers before they spread. Regular cancer screenings appropriate for your age and risk factors, such as colonoscopies for colorectal cancer or mammograms for breast cancer, enable early diagnosis when treatment is most effective. Following your complete treatment plan for any diagnosed cancer, including recommended chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, reduces the risk of metastasis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco all support overall cancer prevention and strengthen immune function to fight abnormal cell growth.
What can I do at home to support treatment for metastatic liver cancer?
Supporting your body during metastatic liver cancer treatment involves eating small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals to maintain strength and prevent malnutrition, even when appetite is poor. Focus on easily digestible foods and adequate protein to support liver function and healing. Stay well-hydrated with water and clear fluids, and limit sodium intake to reduce fluid retention and abdominal swelling. Gentle physical activity like short walks can help maintain energy and reduce fatigue when possible. Manage symptoms by keeping a symptom diary to share with your healthcare team, taking prescribed medications on schedule, and getting adequate rest. Seek support from cancer support groups, counselors, or loved ones to address the emotional challenges of living with metastatic disease.
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Long story short:
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  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

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Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
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We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Serum, Tumor Marker
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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