The short answer
Liver cancer often causes no symptoms early. As it grows, signs can include upper-belly pain, unexplained weight loss, feeling full quickly, and jaundice. People with liver disease may be screened to find it early.
Liver cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages.
Signs can include upper-belly pain, weight loss, and feeling full quickly.
Jaundice — yellow skin and eyes — can occur.
People with chronic liver disease or hepatitis are at higher risk.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
The liver is a large organ that filters blood and aids digestion. Liver cancer often causes no symptoms early on. As it grows, upper-belly pain, weight loss, and jaundice can appear. People with liver disease may be screened to catch it early.
Possible signs
Symptoms can include:
- Pain or a lump in the upper right belly
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Jaundice — yellow skin and eyes
Higher-risk groups
People with long-term liver disease — including hepatitis B or C infection and cirrhosis — are at higher risk of liver cancer. Those at higher risk may be offered regular screening to find it early.
People with chronic liver disease or hepatitis are at higher risk and may be screened.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for upper-belly pain, unexplained weight loss, or jaundice. If you have liver disease or hepatitis, ask whether you should be screened for liver cancer.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What are the symptoms?
Possible signs include pain or a lump in the upper right belly, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite or feeling full quickly, nausea, and jaundice (yellow skin and eyes).
▸Who is at higher risk?
People with long-term liver disease, including hepatitis B or C infection and cirrhosis, are at higher risk of liver cancer.
▸Can liver cancer be found early?
Yes. People at higher risk, such as those with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, may be offered regular screening to find liver cancer early.
▸When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor for upper-belly pain, unexplained weight loss, or jaundice, and ask about screening if you have liver disease or hepatitis.
Questions to ask your doctor
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