Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a cancer that begins in the liver. In the United States, most cancers found in the liver are the result of cancers in other parts of the body spreading to the liver. Primary liver cancer accounts for only two percent of liver cancers in the U.S., but it accounts for up half of all cancers in developing countries. This is because the hepatitis viruses, which are common in developing countries, predispose a person to liver cancer. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of liver cancer below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer are as follows:

• Jaundice
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Abdominal swelling
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anemia
• Back pain
• Itching
• Fever
• A mass in the abdomen

Primary liver cancer occurs most often in males who are over age fifty. In Africa and Asia, liver cancer often occurs earlier, between the ages of twenty and fifty. Other risk factors include chronic infections from Hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism, diabetes, and exposure to aflatoxins found in peanuts, rice, corn and soybeans. Exposure to pesticides and other toxic metals and chemicals also increase the risk of signs and symptoms of liver cancer.

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

A diagnosis of liver cancer is fist made by testing your blood for liver abnormalities. An ultrasound, a CT scan or an MRI may be undertaken to provide a clear visual of the liver, and a liver biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis of liver cancer.

Some liver cancers are found when imaging tests are performed for other disorders, and some liver cancers are diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms of liver cancer the patient presents.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Information about liver cancer treatment, prevention, screening, clinical trials, research, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/liver/

• Medicine Net . com

Get information on liver cancer, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, staging, prognosis, treatment and prevention.

http://www.medicinenet.com/liver_cancer/article.htm

• Cancer Treatment Centers of America

We use many tools to help you fight liver cancer on all fronts, involving a powerful combination of traditional liver cancer treatment options and new, innovative liver treatments.

http://www.cancercenter.com/liver-cancer.cfm

• MD Anderson Cancer Center

Learn about different types of liver cancer and how it can affect you. Receive specialized treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

http://www.mdanderson.org/patient-and-cancer-information/cancer-information/cancer-types/liver-cancer/index.html

• Cancer Forums . net

This forum is for primary liver cancers (hepatocellular carcinoma), not metastatic disease

http://www.cancerforums.net/forums/19-Liver-Cancer-Forum

• E Health Forum

Welcome to the Liver Cancer Forum – a health community featuring member and doctor discussions ranging from a specific symptom to related conditions, treatment options, medication, side effects, diet, and emotional issues surrounding medical conditions.

http://ehealthforum.com/health/forum193.html

• Cancer Compass

You are not alone in your fight against liver cancer. Our popular online forum offers valuable information and supportive resources for all. Join now to research information online and compare your experiences with those of other cancer patients and their families.

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/liver-cancer/1,0,119,23.htm

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of this cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/liver-cancer/DS00399

• Web MD

Learn basic information on liver cancer from the experts at WebMD.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/understanding-liver-cancer-basic-information

• Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/livercancer.html