The liver is hard to examine because it sits on the right side of the chest, under the ribs. Signs and symptoms of liver cancer also often appear only in later stages.

The following symptoms don’t mean you have liver cancer. They can be a sign of a more common condition. If you have symptoms, though, it’s important to see your doctor soon.

Common liver cancer symptoms include:

• Weight loss without trying
• Enlarged belly
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes, and itching)
• Pain or tenderness in the upper right belly; near the right shoulder blade; or in your back
• Abnormal bruising or bleeding
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling full after a small meal
• Appetite loss
• Tiredness or weakness
• Fever
• Chalky poop

Liver cancer risk factors

About 42,000 cases of liver cancer and bile duct cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. every year, according to the National Cancer Institute. About 106,000 people in the U.S. are living with these cancers.

Risk factors for liver cancer include:

• Hepatitis B and C infections: Infections with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus can cause cirrhosis (scarring) in the liver, leading to cancer. Both viruses can spread through unprotected sex; shared needles; from mother to child during childbirth; or other ways. Getting hepatitis treated can lower risk. Getting a hepatitis B vaccine also lowers risk. (There is no hepatitis C vaccine.)
• Cirrhosis: This condition turns healthy cells into scar tissue. Causes include chronic hepatitis infections, heavy alcohol use and metabolic disease.
• Gender: Nearly three times more men than women are diagnosed with liver cancer.
• Age: More than 85% of people diagnosed with liver cancer are older than 55.
• Heavy drinking: High alcohol use can contribute to cirrhosis.
• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes is a risk favor for liver cancer. Risk rises with the number of cigarettes and with years of smoking.
• Obesity: Being very overweight increases risk.
• Certain substances: Exposure to chemicals including arsenic and aflatoxin (a poison produced by fungi on improperly stored foods) can increase risk. 
• Type 2 diabetes: People with this condition who also have chronic hepatitis and drink heavily may be more likely to develop liver cancer.
• Metabolic syndrome: This set of conditions includes excess belly fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal levels of certain cholesterol types. 
• Inherited disorders: Certain disorders caused by inherited genetic mutations can increase the risk of liver cancer. These conditions include alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, porphyria cutanea tarda, tyrosinemia and Wilson disease. Our medical geneticists can help you identify and manage your risk. 

Learn more

• What is Liver Cancer? National Cancer Institute (includes signs and symptoms)
• Liver Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention, National Cancer Institute
• Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer, American Cancer Society
• Liver Cancer Risk Factors, American Cancer Society