Secondary liver cancer. Gross specimen of a slice through liver tissue, showing a secondary cancer (large pale area). Secondary cancers (metastases) spread from a primary cancer site elsewhere in the body. This cancer spread from the gallbladder, an organ situated near to, and linked to, the liver. Cancers are often inoperable at this stage, requiring systemic (whole body) treatments such as anti-cancer drugs to slow the cancer's spread. The liver is the largest gland in the body. Its many vital roles include metabolising nutrients and detoxifying the blood. This complicates treatment, and liver cancer prognosis is poor. A transplant of the liver may be required.