What Is Liver Cancer?
A plain-language overview of liver cancer, where it starts, its signs and symptoms, and the main types, based on National Cancer Institute resources.
Source: National Cancer Institute · NCI reviewed 2024-05-15 · Verified 2026-07-02
The 30-second version
Primary liver cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the liver. The most common type in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer that starts elsewhere and spreads to the liver is not primary liver cancer. Signs can include a lump below the ribs, belly discomfort, and yellowing of the skin.
Key takeaways
- Primary liver cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the liver.
- The most common type of primary liver cancer in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Cancer that starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver is not primary liver cancer.
- Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) starts in the bile ducts, which connect the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
- Liver cancer can occur in both adults and children, but treatment for children is different.
- Signs may include a lump below the rib cage, belly discomfort, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Primary liver cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the liver. The word "primary" means the cancer started in the liver itself. Cancer that forms in another part of the body and then spreads to the liver is not called primary liver cancer.
The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. It has two lobes and fills the upper right side of the abdomen, inside the rib cage.
In short: liver cancer that begins in the liver is called primary liver cancer.
What the liver does
The liver has several important jobs. It:
- makes bile, a fluid that helps digest fat from food
- stores glycogen (a form of sugar), which the body uses for energy
- filters harmful substances from the blood so they can leave the body in stool and urine
Types of liver cancer
The two main types of adult primary liver cancer are:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma. This is the most common type. Most adult primary liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinomas.
- Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). This cancer starts in the bile ducts, which are tubes that connect the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. When it forms in the bile ducts inside the liver, it is called intrahepatic bile duct cancer. When it forms in the bile ducts outside the liver, it is called extrahepatic bile duct cancer.
Primary liver cancer can occur in both adults and children. However, treatment for children is different from treatment for adults.
In short: hepatocellular carcinoma and bile duct cancer are the main types in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Liver cancer may cause several signs and symptoms. These can also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to check with a doctor if you notice any of them:
- a hard lump on the right side, just below the rib cage
- discomfort in the upper abdomen on the right side
- a swollen abdomen
- pain near the right shoulder blade or in the back
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
- easy bruising or bleeding
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite, or feeling full after eating a small meal
- weight loss for no known reason
- pale, chalky bowel movements and dark urine
- fever
In short: many liver cancer symptoms can also come from other conditions, so a doctor should check them.
Everyone's situation is different. Your healthcare team is the best source of information about your own health and any next steps.
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Animated lessons are in production. Here’s the planned video slate for this topic — each one will be based on the same NCI-sourced explanation you’re reading.
What Is Liver Cancer: the quick overview
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Coming soonWhat Is Liver Cancer, explained simply
The core ideas with friendly animation and plain language.
Coming soonUnderstanding what is liver cancer — full lesson
A deeper walkthrough covering the key takeaways and common questions.
Coming soonVideo transcript▾
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Suggested animation storyboard▾
- 1Open on a calm title card: "What Is Liver Cancer?" with the Cancer Explained mark.
- 2Narrator reads the 30-second summary while a soft animated diagram builds on screen: "Primary liver cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the liver. The most common type in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer that starts elsewhere and spreads to the liver is not primary liver cancer. Signs can include a lump below the ribs, belly discomfort, and yellowing of the skin."
- 3Scene 2: illustrate the idea — "Primary liver cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the liver."
- 4Scene 3: illustrate the idea — "The most common type of primary liver cancer in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma."
- 5Scene 4: illustrate the idea — "Cancer that starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver is not primary liver cancer."
- 6Close on a reminder card: this is educational only; talk with your healthcare team, and a link to the NCI source.
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Quick knowledge check
According to this article, what is primary liver cancer?
Frequently asked questions
▸What is primary liver cancer?
Primary liver cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells form in the tissues of the liver. Cancer that forms in other parts of the body and then spreads to the liver is not called primary liver cancer.
▸What is the most common type of liver cancer in adults?
The most common type of primary liver cancer in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma. Bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma, is another main type of adult primary liver cancer.
▸What does the liver do?
The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and fills the upper right side of the abdomen inside the rib cage. It makes bile to help digest fat, stores sugar (glycogen) that the body uses for energy, and filters harmful substances from the blood so they can leave the body in stool and urine.
▸What is bile duct cancer?
Bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma, is cancer that starts in the bile ducts. The bile ducts are tubes that connect the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Cancer that forms in bile ducts inside the liver is called intrahepatic bile duct cancer, and cancer outside the liver is called extrahepatic bile duct cancer.
▸What are some signs and symptoms of liver cancer?
Signs and symptoms may include a hard lump on the right side just below the rib cage, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, a swollen belly, pain near the right shoulder blade or back, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), easy bruising or bleeding, tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. These can also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to check with a doctor.
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Questions to ask your healthcare team
Consider bringing these questions to your next appointment.
- What type of liver cancer do I have?
- Did my cancer start in the liver, or did it spread there from somewhere else?
- What tests do I need to learn more about my cancer?
- What do my symptoms mean, and which ones should I watch for?
- Where can I find reliable information and support?
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