Liver Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of liver cancer may differ slightly, depending on the type of tumor you have. Please remember that other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to see an experienced physician for an accurate diagnosis.

Primary Liver Cancer Symptoms

Liver cancer does not usually cause symptoms until the tumor has grown large, pushing against other parts of the liver or other organs. But it can take months or even years for that to happen.

When symptoms do appear from cancer originating in the liver, they can include:

• A sudden change in eating habits and weight loss
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Lump or mass in the upper-right side of the abdomen or in the stomach
• Constant pain in the upper-right side of your abdomen or in your stomach
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and/or persistent itching
• Blood-tinged vomiting, frequent bruising, and severe bleeding from small cuts or even after activities like brushing your teeth
• Abdominal swelling or bloating

Metastatic Liver Cancer Symptoms

Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the liver from elsewhere can cause its own set of symptoms. While each person may experience the disease differently, these symptoms can include:

• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Fever
• Ascites (fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Confusion
• Drowsiness

Our Cancer Center offers nutritional services to help manage symptoms related to eating, both those caused by the cancer itself, and those that come as a side effect of treatment. Learn more about our:

• Cancer Center
• Cancer Nutrition Services
• Gastrointestinal Cancer Program
• Liver Clinic