Liver Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Liver cancer may begin in the cells of the liver (called primary liver cancer) or be caused by metastasis (spread) of cancers from elsewhere in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people will not have symptoms of liver cancer until the disease is advanced. Although the prognosis for advanced liver cancer is poor, recognizing the signs and symptoms may prevent further delays in treatment.

Jaundice

• Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.

Nausea

• Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of liver cancer that result from a lack of bile and enzymes needed to digest foods.

Weight Loss

• People with liver cancer may lose their appetite and experience unintended weight loss due to the body's inability to process food.

Abdominal Pain

• Liver cancer tumors that become large may cause symptoms of pressure and pain in the upper right abdomen, ribs and back.

Ascites

• Ascites is a medical term for abdominal swelling caused by liver cancer that resembles the shape and size of a pregnant woman's belly.

Fatigue

• Weakness of the muscles and overall fatigue are signs of advanced liver cancer that occur as a result of significant liver damage.