Symptoms of liver cancer

About the symptoms of liver cancer

Cancer that starts in the liver (primary liver cancer) doesn't usually cause symptoms in the early stages. If you do have symptoms, they can include: 

• weight loss

• feeling or being sick

• loss of appetite or feeling full after eating small amounts

• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

• itching

• swollen tummy (abdomen)

• pain or discomfort in your abdomen

• a lump in the right side of your abdomen

• pain in your right shoulder or in your back

• feeling weak or tired (fatigue)

• high temperature (fever)

If you already have a liver condition such as cirrhosis, tell your doctor if you have any new or worsening symptoms.

Get tips on seeing your GP about your liver symptoms

Weight loss

This is weight loss when you are not trying to lose weight. This could be due to:

• a loss of appetite

• feeling full after eating small amounts

• feeling or being sick

Pain

You may have pain in your tummy (upper abdomen).

A swollen (enlarged) liver can cause pain in your right shoulder or back. This is because the enlarged liver stimulates nerves that connect to nerves in the shoulder. This is called referred pain.

Jaundice

Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It is caused by a blockage in the bile duct or your liver not working properly.

A swollen tummy (abdomen)

Liver cancer can cause swelling of the tummy (abdomen). This might be because:

• the liver gets bigger from the growing cancer, and causes swelling on the right side of your abdomen

• the cancer increases pressure in the liver causing blood to back up in the vessels (veins). This forces fluid out of the veins into the abdomen (ascites)

The increased pressure in the veins can make them swell so they might be seen under the surface of your abdomen. Ascites can also develop when the liver isn’t making enough blood protein (albumin).

A swollen abdomen might cause discomfort or pain, and a loss of appetite or feeling full quickly. It can also cause breathlessness or swollen feet.

Read more about ascites