Liver cancer

Liver cancer starts when cells in the liver begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. Many liver cancers begin in the liver itself. This is called primary liver cancer. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).1

Primary liver cancer is different from cancer that spreads to the liver from somewhere else in the body. When cancer spreads, it is called metastatic cancer.1

What are the types of liver cancer?

Types of primary liver cancer include:¹

What are the common symptoms of liver cancer?

Liver cancer may not cause symptoms early on. As it grows, some people may notice:2, 3

  • Pain on the right side of the stomach
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling full after eating a small amount
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Swelling of the stomach (ascites)
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Fatigue and weakness

These symptoms can also happen with other conditions. If your symptoms don’t stop, or get worse, your doctor may recommend tests.

How is liver cancer diagnosed?

If a provider suspects liver cancer, several tests may help confirm the disease:4

A provider will also look at your health history, any risks you may have and the symptoms you feel.

What are the treatment options for liver cancer?

Treatment depends on the type of liver cancer, how far it is, and how healthy the person is. Common approaches include:5

  • Closely watching: If the tumor is smaller than 1 centimeter, it is monitored with check-ups every 3 months
  • Surgery: Removing the part of the liver where cancer is found
  • Liver transplant: Replacing a liver with a healthy donor liver
  • Ablation therapies: Destroy cancer cells using heat, cold or alcohol
  • Embolization: Blocks blood flow to the tumor
  • Targeted therapy: Medications that attack cancer cells
  • Immunotherapy: Medicines that help the immune system attack cancer cells
  • Radiation: Targeted radiation may help shrink tumors

A doctor may recommend one treatment or a combination.

Living with liver cancer

For many people, liver cancer may not go away completely. It could also return in another part of the body. Some people need regular treatment to help manage the cancer. Living with cancer that stays or comes back may be hard and stressful.6

You can have palliative care while still getting other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Palliative care is special medical care that helps with pain and other problems caused by a serious illness. Palliative care doctors and nurses work with you, your family and your other doctors to give you extra support.7

No matter your situation, there are things you can do to help feel better, both in your body and your mind. For example, if you smoke, quitting can help lower your risk of cancer.7

To take care of your health after liver cancer, try to:7

  • Keep a healthy weight
  • Be active and don’t spend too much time sitting
  • Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Try to eat less red meat, sugary drinks and processed food.
  • Limit or avoid alcohol, because it can hurt your liver

Emotional well-being is also very important. It may help to talk to a counselor, support group or other people who have had liver cancer.

Frequently asked questions about liver cancer