Liver Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of liver cancer in the early stages are vague. They often go unnoticed.

Liver cancer can cause the following symptoms:

Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Fever
Fatigue
Weakness
Pain in abdomen
Swollen abdomen
Nausea
Dark urine
Excessive itchiness of the skin
Confusion and increased sleepiness
Yellowing of the skin and/or the whites of the eye

These may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. See a doctor if you have these symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

Blood tests—to see how well the liver is functioning or to find substances in the blood that indicate liver cancer may be present
X-ray—of the chest and abdomen
Angiogram—x-rays of blood vessels
CT scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the liver
MRI scan—a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the liver
Laparoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to look at the liver
Biopsy—removal of a sample of liver tissue to test for cancer cells

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2023 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.