Liver cancer is a serious disease that affects the liver. The liver is an important organ. It cleans your blood, stores energy, and helps break down food. Detecting liver cancer early makes treatment easier and more successful. Knowing early signs and risk factors can help you catch it sooner.
This guide explains liver cancer in clear terms. You will learn what it is, what to look for early, and what increases your risk.
Liver cancer is when liver cells grow abnormally. These cells form a mass called a tumor. There are two main kinds:
This is the most common type. About 80 out of 100 liver cancers are HCC. It often appears in people with liver disease, like hepatitis or cirrhosis.
This type starts in the bile ducts. Bile ducts carry bile from the liver to your gallbladder. This cancer type is less common but serious.
Your doctor tests which type you have. This decision helps guide your treatment.
Finding liver cancer early can save your life. Here are early symptoms to watch for:
If you lose weight quickly without dieting, it may be a warning sign.
Pain or discomfort in the upper right part of your belly can be linked to liver trouble.
You may stop feeling hungry, or you might feel full after eating just a small amount.
Yellowing means your liver is not working well. It cannot remove bile properly.
Feeling tired or weak often is a sign that your liver may not be working right.
Fluid can build up in your belly, causing swelling. It may also swell in your legs or ankles.
Look out for diarrhea, constipation, or pale stool that does not have another cause.
Frequent nausea or vomiting can also point to liver problems.
If you notice any of these symptoms early, talk to your doctor right away. Early detection can make a big difference.
Some factors make liver cancer more likely. Here are the main ones:
Long-term infection with hepatitis B or C harms your liver. Over time, it greatly raises your cancer risk.
Drinking too much alcohol over years leads to liver damage. This damage can grow into cancer.
When your liver scar tissue builds up, it's called cirrhosis. This scar tissue raises your risk of cancer.
Obesity can cause fat to build up in the liver. This can cause inflammation and liver damage over time.
High blood sugar and inflammation from diabetes can damage the liver and increase cancer risk.
If a close family member had liver cancer, your risk is higher. You should get regular check-ups.
Improperly stored foods like nuts or grains may contain mold toxins. These toxins increase cancer risk.
Some chemicals, like arsenic or vinyl chloride, harm your liver. This can increase cancer risk over time.
Knowing these risks helps you take steps to reduce them.
If you have symptoms or risk factors, your doctor will check for liver cancer. Here's how they do it:
The doctor feels your belly for a swollen liver or fluid buildup.
Blood tests look at your liver function. They also check for a protein that may indicate cancer.
These tests create pictures of your liver inside your body:
If imaging shows a possible tumor, the doctor may take a small sample of liver tissue. They test it in a lab to confirm cancer.
You can reduce your risk of liver cancer with simple steps:
These steps help your liver stay healthy and strong.
Treatment depends on cancer stage, your health, and cancer type:
Doctors may remove part of your liver. In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be an option.
This treatment uses heat or cold to destroy cancer cells directly in the liver. It uses small needles to reach tumors.
These drugs aim to shrink tumors or slow their growth.
High-energy rays kill cancer cells. This is used when surgery is not a good option.
Your doctor will choose the best treatment or a combination of treatments based on your condition.
Liver cancer is serious, but early detection can improve your chances significantly. Know the early signs of liver cancer and understand the major risk factors for liver cancer. Keep track of your health and see your doctor if something seems off.
Take action now. Protect your liver so you can enjoy a healthier future. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma, which starts in liver cells called hepatocytes.
Early signs may include fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes), and a swollen belly. Many symptoms appear late, so early testing is important.
People with chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, heavy alcohol use, or a family history of liver cancer are at higher risk.
While not always preventable, risk can be reduced by avoiding hepatitis infections, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing diabetes.
These viruses cause long-term inflammation and liver damage, which can lead to scarring (cirrhosis) and eventually cancer.
Yes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can cause liver inflammation and damage over time, increasing cancer risk—especially in people with obesity or diabetes.
Aflatoxins are toxins from mold found in improperly stored nuts or grains. They can damage liver cells and raise cancer risk if consumed regularly over time.
Doctors use blood tests, imaging (like ultrasound or MRI), and sometimes a biopsy to confirm liver cancer and assess how advanced it is.
Yes. People at high risk should get regular liver ultrasounds and blood tests (like AFP) every 6 months to catch cancer early.
If you have liver disease, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or abdominal swelling, see a doctor right away for evaluation and possible screening.
