Overview

Symptoms

Main symptoms of liver cancer

Liver cancer may not have any symptoms, or they might be hard to spot.

The symptoms are the same if the liver cancer starts in the liver (primary liver cancer) or spreads from another part of the body (secondary liver cancer).

Symptoms of liver cancer can include:

• your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow (jaundice), you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual
• loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
• feeling tired or having no energy
• feeling generally unwell or having symptoms like flu
• a lump in the right side of your tummy

Other symptoms can affect your digestion, such as:

• feeling or being sick
• pain at the top right side of your tummy or in your right shoulder
• symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling full very quickly when eating
• a very swollen tummy that is not related to when you eat

Get advice from 111 now if:

• your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow
• you're being sick for more than 2 days
• you have symptoms that you are worried about, but are not sure where to get help

111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.

See a GP if you have:

• a lump in your tummy
• lost a noticeable amount of weight over the last 6 to 12 months without trying
• other symptoms of liver cancer that get worse or do not get better after 2 weeks

Important

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

Having them does not definitely mean you have liver cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.

This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.

What happens at the GP appointment

The GP may feel your tummy. They may also listen to your chest.

The GP may refer you to see a specialist in hospital for more tests if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.

This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.

Find out more

Cancer Research UK: seeing a GP for symptoms that could be caused by liver cancer.

Causes

Who is more likely to get liver cancer

Anyone can get primary liver cancer. It's not always clear what causes it.

You might be more likely to get it if you:

• are over the age of 60, it's most common in people over 85
• are a man
• have certain medical conditions, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, gallstones, diabetes, a parasite in the liver (liver flukes), and HIV
• have a brother, sister or parent who had primary liver cancer

Secondary liver cancer is caused by cancer cells from a cancer somewhere else in the body spreading to the liver.

Many liver cancers are also linked to your lifestyle.

How to reduce your chance of getting primary liver cancer

You cannot always prevent primary liver cancer. But making healthy changes can lower your chances of getting it.

Do

• try to lose weight if you are overweight
• wear protective clothes and masks if you work in a job where you're exposed to harmful chemicals
• try to cut down on alcohol – avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
• try to quit smoking

It's important to get any symptoms of liver cancer checked by a GP.

Anyone can get liver cancer, even if you do not think you have a higher chance of getting it.

Tests

You will need more tests and scans to check for liver cancer if the GP refers you to a specialist.

These tests can include:

• blood tests
• scans, like an ultrasound scan, CT scan or MRI scan
• collecting a small sample of cells from the liver (called a biopsy), to be checked for cancer

You may not have all these tests.

If you've already had another kind of cancer and the specialist thinks it might have spread to your liver (secondary liver cancer) you may also have a PET scan.

These tests can also help find problems in your bile ducts, pancreas or gallbladder.

Getting your results

It can take several weeks to get the results of your tests.

Try not to worry if your results are taking a long time to get to you. It does not definitely mean anything is wrong.

You can call the hospital or GP if you are worried. They should be able to update you.

A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.

If you're told you have liver cancer

Being told you have liver cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.

It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.

You can ask them any questions you have.

Important

Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.

They're there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.

Call 0808 808 00 00

Next steps

If you've been told you have liver cancer, you may need more tests.

These, along with the tests you've already had, will help the specialists find out the size of the cancer and how far it's spread (called the stage).

You may need a small operation to look inside your tummy, called a laparoscopy.

The specialists will use the results of these tests and work with you to decide on the best treatment plan for you.

Find out more

Macmillan Cancer Support: information and support if you've just been diagnosed with cancer

Treatment

Where to find help and support

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about liver cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
Macmillan Cancer Support: online forum
Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service

Maggie's Centres

Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.

Website: www.maggiescentres.org
Helpline: 0300 123 1801
Maggie's centres

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 090 2309
Marie Curie: patient services