Liver Cancer Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Adult Liver Cancer

Like many types of cancers, liver cancer does not usually cause any symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, liver cancer symptoms begin to appear, prompting one to seek medical attention. Due to the delayed onset of symptoms, liver cancer is often diagnosed in an advanced stage.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

• jaundice (condition that causes the yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  
• unintentional weight loss
  
• loss of appetite
  
• pain and/or discomfort on the right side of the abdomen
  
• pain or discomfort that occurs in the right shoulder blade area

Other liver cancer symptoms that may be experienced are fever, general fatigue that is not relieved with rest, and nausea and/or vomiting. Symptoms can appear separately or together.

These liver cancer symptoms can be nonspecific --if you have them, they do not exactly pinpoint liver cancer. However, they do alert your doctor that your liver and how it is functioning may need to be evaluated.

• Symptom Checker: What Could Your Symptoms Mean?
  
• When You Can't Get a Diagnosis
  
• What Drinkers Need to Know About Alcohol Induced Liver Disease
  
  There are no current recommended screening test for those at an average risk of liver cancer. Though this may aid in early detection, it is not very cost effective for the general population. People suffering from hepatitis or cirrhosis are most at risk of developing liver cancer and are monitored closely for physical signs and symptoms of the disease.