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Multiple Choice

Metastasis to the liver most commonly comes from which primary cancers, in order?

The liver is a frequent site for metastasis because cancer cells reach it through the bloodstream, and the organ’s rich vascular supply makes it a prime stepping-stone for disseminated tumor cells. Cancers of the colon drain directly into the portal vein, delivering tumor cells straight to the liver, which makes colorectal cancer the most common source of liver metastases. After that, breast cancer is a very common source of liver metastases due to widespread hematogenous spread, so it ranks next. Lung cancer does metastasize to the liver as well, but it occurs less frequently than breast cancer, placing it third in this context. So the typical pattern is colon first, then breast, then lung.

The liver is a frequent site for metastasis because cancer cells reach it through the bloodstream, and the organ’s rich vascular supply makes it a prime stepping-stone for disseminated tumor cells. Cancers of the colon drain directly into the portal vein, delivering tumor cells straight to the liver, which makes colorectal cancer the most common source of liver metastases. After that, breast cancer is a very common source of liver metastases due to widespread hematogenous spread, so it ranks next. Lung cancer does metastasize to the liver as well, but it occurs less frequently than breast cancer, placing it third in this context. So the typical pattern is colon first, then breast, then lung.