Secondary liver cancer

Secondary liver cancer is when a cancer that started somewhere else in the body has spread to the liver. It is also called liver metastases.

Secondary lung cancer

Secondary lung cancer is when a cancer that started somewhere else in the body has spread to the lungs. It is also called lung metastases.

Secondary bone cancer

Secondary bone cancer is when a cancer that started in another part of the body has spread to the bones. It is also called bone metastases.

Secondary brain cancer

Secondary brain cancer is when a cancer that started in another part of the body has spread to the brain. It is also called brain metastases.

Leptomeningeal metastases

Leptomeningeal metastases mean cancer cells have spread to one of the membranes that surround the brain.

Coping with secondary cancer

Coping with secondary cancer can be very difficult. Getting the help and support you and your family need can help.

Secondary cancer resources and support

There are organisations, support groups and books to help you cope with symptoms and side effects caused by secondary cancer and its treatment.

Last reviewed: 
21 Jul 2023
Next review due: 
21 Jul 2026

Page Credits: 

This section is written, reviewed and updated by Cancer Research UK’s Patient Information Web Team. Thanks to the expert medical professionals and people affected by cancer who have helped to review this information.

  • Dr Angela Halley (Consultant in Palliative Medicine)
  • Professor Siow Ming Lee (Consultant and Professor of Medical Oncology)
  • our lay reviewers