Liver Cancer Symptoms

Liver cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages. When it does have symptoms, they vary from person to person. As the tumor grows, it may cause:

• Weight loss
• Pain in the right side of the upper abdomen or around the right shoulder blade
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling or bloating in the abdomen
• Hard lump below the ribs on the right side
• Tiredness or weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Jaundice, which causes yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine
• Feeling of fullness after a small meal
• Itching
• Swollen veins on the abdomen
• Becoming sicker if you have hepatitis or cirrhosis

Certain types of liver cancer produce hormones that may cause:

• High blood-calcium levels that may cause constipation, nausea or confusion
  
• Low blood-sugar levels that may cause tiredness or faint feeling
• Enlarged breasts or shrinking of testicles in men
• High red-blood cell count that may cause redness in the face

These symptoms do not always mean you have liver cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may signal other health problems.

In rare cases, liver cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Visit our genetic testing page to learn more.

Some people have an elevated risk of developing liver cancer. Review the liver cancer screening guidelines to see if you need to be tested.