Oak Valley Health’s patient education pages share the skills, knowledge, and habits patients and families need to know to cope with a daily health issue. We hope this information can influence patient behaviour to improve health outcomes and provide you with a sense of control and autonomy.
Learn more about the risks, causes, and treatment of liver cancer
A tumour in the liver is known as liver cancer. The liver is located on the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the ribs.
The majority of primary liver tumors are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) comprising most of the remaining cases. HCC is a primary liver cancer that typically develops in the setting of chronic liver disease, particularly in patients with cirrhosis or chronic Hepatitis B infection.
You are a male
abuse alcohol
have hepatitis B or C
smoke
diabetes
You have hemochromatosis (body stores too much iron)
Non alcoholic fatty liver disease
You are exposed to aflatoxins
You use anabolic steroids or oral contraceptives
Obesity
You have schistosomiasis
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Feeling itchy
Bruising and bleeding
Pain on the right side of abdomen, shoulder, back
Jaundice
Dark coloured urine
White stools
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
Ablation
Embolization
Chemoembolization
Radioembolization
You are having trouble eating due nausea and vomiting
You feel weaker
The pain gets worse
You feel depressed or anxious
You feel confused
The pain in your abdomen increases
Your abdomen and legs swell
You have a fever, chills and body aches
You bleed continuously
Show signs of jaundice such as yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine, clay-coloured stool, worsening fatigue
