Liver Cancer Symptoms

Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of the liver, an organ that sits in the upper right portion of the abdomen. Several types of cancer can form in the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which arises from the main type of liver cell, known as the hepatocyte. Not all cancers that affect the liver are considered liver call. Cancers that start in another area of the body and then spread to the liver are called metastatic cancers. Metastatic cancers are named after the organ in which they arose.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Most people don’t have signs and symptoms in the early stages of liver cancer.

If signs and symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Unintentional or unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Pain in the upper abdomen

• Nausea and vomiting

• Weakness and fatigue

• Swelling of the abdomen

• Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes

• White, chalky stools

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing symptoms that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor.

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Center of New Jersey

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Center of New Jersey offers expert, state-of-the-art care for oncology problems ranging from the simplest to the most complex. Our approach is designed specifically to integrate with a multidisciplinary care plan combining medicine, surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, as necessary. Our expert physicians emphasize patient-centered, compassionate care.

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Center provides expertise in the management of upper and lower gastrointestinal tract tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, melanoma and endocrine tumors. Our physicians are among the most accomplished and highly trained in the region, making every effort to apply minimally invasive techniques whenever feasible.