What is liver cancer?
Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells within the liver grow in an uncontrolled way.
The liver is located in the upper right side of the abdomen (belly), beneath the lungs. It is the largest organ in the body. The liver is responsible for:
- filtering waste products (like drugs and alcohol) from the blood
- making bile to help digest fats
- making proteins to help the blood clot
- storing nutrients
- storing sugar, which the body uses for energy.
Two primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, originate in different liver cells, while less common types like angiosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and hepatoblastoma affect specific cell types or age groups.
Explore statistics on liver cancer, including the number of new cases, deaths, survival rates, and overall prevalence.
Liver cancer risk factors include hepatitis B and C, excessive alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and family history.
Liver cancer symptoms often appear only after the cancer has advanced, and may include discomfort in the upper right abdomen, a hard lump, swollen abdomen, back pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, or nausea.
Tests are conducted to investigate liver cancer symptoms and confirm a diagnosis, including physical examinations, blood tests, imaging scans, and biopsies. Staging determines the disease's extent, affecting treatment planning.
Treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage of the disease, severity of symptoms, cirrhosis, personal wishes, and general health, and may involve surveillance, surgery, liver transplant, ablation, chemoembolisation, radiation, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Living with cancer can be challenging, but you can find support from family, friends, health professionals, and cancer support organizations to help you cope with the emotional, physical, and practical issues related to your diagnosis.
Research is ongoing to find new ways to diagnose and treat different types of cancer.
Details for professionals seeking comprehensive information on liver cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Last updated 14 January 2025
