What causes liver cancer?

Repeated injury and inflammation can cause liver cells to repair themselves over many years. This ongoing cycle can produce scarring and changes in cell growth. Cirrhosis is a major setting in which primary liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma, can arise. Chronic hepatitis B can contribute even when cirrhosis has not developed, while hepatitis C commonly causes liver injury that may progress to cirrhosis.

Other liver conditions and exposures can also influence risk, so the cause is not always identifiable in one person. Liver cancer is different from cancer that starts elsewhere and spreads to the liver; scans and tissue or blood assessment may help distinguish them.

If you have chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or a liver mass, arrange follow-up with a clinician experienced in liver disease. Assessment may include liver blood tests, viral testing, ultrasound or other imaging, and review of alcohol, medicines, metabolic health, and previous diagnoses. Ask whether you need a regular liver surveillance plan.

Avoid alcohol if your clinician advises it, check before using herbal products or non-prescribed medicines, and follow treatment for hepatitis when offered. These steps support liver health but cannot replace evaluation of a new mass or symptom.

Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black stools, sudden confusion, severe sleepiness, rapidly increasing abdominal swelling, severe abdominal pain, or yellowing with fever. These symptoms can reflect serious liver dysfunction or bleeding and need prompt assessment.

Do I have cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis? What tests will clarify the cause of a liver change? Do I need regular imaging? Which medicines, supplements, or drinks could further stress my liver?