What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

Some people notice discomfort or fullness in the upper right abdomen, a firm area beneath the ribs, reduced appetite, nausea, or unplanned weight loss. Jaundice can make the skin or whites of the eyes yellow and may occur with dark urine, pale stools, or itching. Fluid build-up can make the abdomen swell. Fatigue can reflect the illness, reduced nutrition, or changes in liver function. Symptoms may be subtle early on, and they can also be caused by liver disease, gallbladder problems, infection, or digestive conditions.

A symptom does not establish liver cancer. Clinical assessment may include an examination, blood tests, and imaging. See the Liver Cancer condition page for more context.

Arrange medical review for persistent upper-abdominal pain, new jaundice, increasing abdominal swelling, a new lump, or unexplained weight loss. Mention any history of liver disease, hepatitis, alcohol exposure, medicines, or changes in stool and urine. Keep track of appetite, pain location, swelling, and weight. A clinician can decide whether imaging or specialist assessment is needed.

Seek emergency help for vomiting blood, black stools, severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, sudden confusion, fainting, severe breathlessness, or marked abdominal swelling with inability to eat or drink. New jaundice with fever, shaking chills, or significant pain also needs prompt assessment because several urgent liver and bile-duct problems can look similar.

Could my symptoms reflect liver or bile-duct disease? Which blood tests or scans would clarify the cause? What changes should prompt urgent care? If a tumour is found, could Liver Resection, Tumour Ablation, Immunotherapy, or Targeted Therapy be options?