Fast Five Quiz: Metastatic Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Elwyn C. Cabebe, MD

March 18, 2019

As with breast cancer metastases to other sites, liver metastases may or may not produce symptoms. Commonly reported symptoms include:

Itching: The itching associated with liver metastases is caused by bile acid build up in the skin. This itching may be severe and is commonly reported as one of the more annoying symptoms.
Jaundice: The skin or eyes may become yellowed because of extensive liver involvement or blockage of the bile duct.
Abdominal pain: This is typically felt under the ribs on the right side.
Shoulder pain: Nerves that travel near the diaphragm may become compressed and cause pain in the right shoulder.
Hiccups: An enlarged liver may press against the diaphragm and cause hiccups.
Nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss
Fatigue
Fever
Ascites
Swelling of the ankles

Comments

Commenting is limited to medical professionals. To comment please Log-in.

Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.