Overview
Liver cancer often develops in a liver already damaged by long-term hepatitis B or C infection, heavy alcohol use, or advanced fatty liver disease. Because the liver has few nerve endings, it usually causes no symptoms until it is advanced. This makes prevention and early detection vital: getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, treating hepatitis infections, and monitoring a known cirrhotic liver give the best chance of catching it while it can still be treated.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms until advanced
- Discomfort or a lump in the upper right belly
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Swelling of the belly and tiredness
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for upper-belly discomfort with weight loss or jaundice, and get monitored if you have hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Causes
Long-term hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis from alcohol or fatty liver disease, and contaminated-food toxins in some regions.