Liver Cancer

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About Liver Cancer

Adult primary liver cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the liver.

The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. It has four lobes and fills the upper right side of the abdomen inside the rib cage. Three of the many important functions of the liver are:

  • To filter harmful substances from the blood so they can be passed from the body in stools and urine
  • To make bile to help digest fat that comes from food
  • To store glycogen (sugar), which the body uses for energy

Types of Liver Cancers

There are two types of adult primary liver cancer. The two types of adult primary liver cancer are:

  • Hepatocellular Carcinoma

    The most common type of adult primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. This type of liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

  • Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)

    With bile duct cancer, cancer cells form within the passageways that transport bile between the liver and small intestine. The three kinds of bile duct cancer are named according to where they're found: distal bile duct cancer, perihilar bile duct cancer and intrahepatic bile duct cancer.

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Liver Cancer

Symptoms


Signs and symptoms of adult primary liver cancer include a lump or pain on the right side.

These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by adult primary liver cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:

  • A hard lump on the right side just below the rib cage
  • Discomfort in the upper abdomen on the right side
  • A swollen abdomen
  • Pain near the right shoulder blade or in the back
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite or feelings of fullness after eating a small meal
  • Weight loss for no known reason
  • Pale, chalky bowel movements and dark urine
  • Fever
Risk Factors

The genes in cells carry the hereditary information received from a person’s parents. The risk of GIST is increased in people who have inherited a mutation (change) in a certain gene. In rare cases, GISTs can be found in several members of the same family.

GIST may be part of a genetic syndrome, but this is rare. A genetic syndrome is a set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and is usually caused by abnormal genes. The following genetic syndromes have been linked to GIST:

  • Carney triad
  • Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)

Liver Cancer Experts Who Specialize in You

Rest assured that the specialized care you need is close to home. Our experienced oncologists treat all types of liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and bile duct cancer, and will design a well-rounded treatment plan with your whole health in mind.

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Across the nation, each of our locations offering cancer treatment contributes to the strength of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute network. Explore your options for care close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.