Malignant tumors of the liver are most commonly metastases, or areas of distant spread, from tumors that arise elsewhere in the body. These tumors are not true liver cancers; instead they are named by their site of origin, such as lung cancer metastatic to the liver. True liver cancers are malignancies that arise in the cells of the liver. Symptoms of liver cancer arise most commonly in the later stages of the disease and include
- weight loss,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- loss of appetite,
- fatigue, and
- abdominal swelling.
These symptoms are fairly nonspecific and can occur with cancers in other locations as well as some chronic diseases. Other symptoms of liver cancer include a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), enlarged and tender liver, and chalky, white-colored stools.
Causes of liver cancer
The exact cause of liver cancer is unknown. There are some risk factors though. These include alcoholism, infection with the hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV), diabetes, scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, and exposures to certain toxins.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
Main Article on Liver Cancer Symptoms and Signs
Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
Alcohol Abuse: 12 Health Risks of Chronic Heavy Drinking
Read about the health risks of chronic heavy or binge drinking. Anemia, cancer, gout, cardiovascular disease and many more...
-
Hepatitis C, Hep B, Hep A: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
What is hepatitis? Hepatitis A, B, and C spread in different ways, causing mild to serious effects on the liver. Learn about...
-
Understanding Cancer: Metastasis, Stages of Cancer, and More
Learn the basics about cancer including types, causes, how it spreads, symptoms and signs, stages and treatment options. Read...
Liver Cancer Symptoms and Signs
-
Abdominal Pain
-
Abdominal Swelling
-
Bloating
-
Chalky Stools
-
Enlarged Liver
-
Fatigue
-
Itching
-
Jaundice
-
Liver Tenderness
-
Loss of Appetite
-
Muscle Wasting
-
Nausea
-
Vomiting
-
Weight Loss
-
White Stools
- Abdominal Pain
- Abdominal Swelling
- Bloating
- Chalky Stools
- Enlarged Liver
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Jaundice
- Liver Tenderness
- Loss of Appetite
- Muscle Wasting
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
- White Stools
Examples of Medications for Liver Cancer Symptoms and Signs
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.