Liver cancer causes symptoms diagnosis and treatment

Liver cancer is a serious disease that can affect the liver and impact the health of the entire body. Although it often doesn’t show clear symptoms in the early stages, early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.In this Dalili Medical article, we’ll discuss the most important symptoms of liver cancer, its causes, diagnostic methods, and available treatments — along with essential tips for prevention and improving quality of life.This article provides accurate and easy-to-understand information about liver cancer for both adults and children, helping you recognize the warning signs that require medical attention before the condition worsens.

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the liver — the largest and one of the most vital organs in the body, without which life is impossible.
There are two main types:

Primary liver cancer: begins directly in the liver.
Secondary liver cancer: spreads to the liver from another organ in the body.

How Do You Know When a Liver Cancer Patient Is in Their Final Days?

In very advanced stages, the patient may show severe symptoms such as:

Loss of consciousness and extreme weakness.
Difficulty breathing.
Abdominal swelling and dry skin.

What Is the Survival Rate for Liver Cancer?

The recovery rate depends on how early the disease is detected.
If discovered early, the recovery rate can reach around 70% or higher thanks to modern treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Can Liver Surgery Be Avoided?

This depends on the specialist doctor and the patient’s condition.
In some cases, non-surgical treatments may be sufficient.
However, in other cases, surgery is necessary to completely remove the tumor and prevent the cancer from spreading.

Does Liver Cancer Appear Suddenly?

Usually not — liver cancer develops slowly over months or years, especially in people with liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis infections.
However, early symptoms can be vague, so it may seem like the cancer appeared suddenly when it’s actually discovered late.

Can Liver Cancer Be Detected by a Blood Test?

Yes — it can be indicated early by a high level of AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) in the blood.
But a blood test alone is not enough for diagnosis — confirmation is needed through CT scan or MRI to locate and measure the tumor.

Can Liver Cancer Cause Death?

Yes — if not detected and treated in time, liver cancer is a common cause of death among patients with chronic liver disease.

Types of Liver Cancer

1️⃣ Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

The most common type, accounting for over 75% of cases.
It starts in the hepatocytes, the main liver cells responsible for producing proteins and energy.
It often develops in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C infections.

Symptoms:

Pain in the upper abdomen or right side.
Sudden weight loss.
Fatigue and weakness.
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

Features:

Can be treated with surgery or liver transplantation in early stages.
In some cases, chemotherapy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used.

2️⃣ Secondary (Metastatic) Liver Cancer

This type starts in another organ — such as the colon, stomach, or breast — and then spreads to the liver.
It’s the most common form among patients with metastatic cancers.

Symptoms:

Similar to HCC symptoms, often appearing after the primary cancer is diagnosed.
May cause liver enlargement and abdominal pain.

Features:

Treating the primary source of the cancer is essential.
Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, or radiofrequency ablation.

3️⃣ Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer Inside the Liver)

A rare type of liver cancer that starts in the bile ducts inside the liver.
It usually occurs in older adults or people with chronic bile duct inflammation.

Symptoms:

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Itchy skin
Weight loss
Abdominal pain

Features:

Requires precise imaging diagnosis (CT or MRI).
Treatment often involves surgical removal of the tumor, sometimes combined with chemotherapy.

4️⃣ Very Rare Types of Liver Cancer

Mixed Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma: a combination of liver and bile duct cancer.
Angiosarcoma: a very rare, fast-spreading cancer of blood vessels in the liver.
Hepatoblastoma: a childhood liver cancer, mostly found in children under 3 years old.

???? Liver Cancer Stages Explained

Liver cancer is divided into stages based on tumor size, number of tumors, and spread inside or outside the liver.
This classification helps doctors choose the most suitable treatment and estimate recovery chances.

???? Stage I

Condition:
A single tumor inside the liver that hasn’t spread to blood vessels or other organs.

Treatment:

Partial hepatectomy (removal of part of the liver)
Liver transplantation if the liver is cirrhotic or surgery is suitable

Survival rate:
Very high if detected early.

Symptoms:
Usually mild or unnoticed, such as:

Mild abdominal pain
Slight loss of appetite

⚠️ Stage II

Condition:

One tumor that has reached nearby blood vessels, or
Several small tumors still confined to the same liver lobe.

Treatment:

Liver resection or transplant depending on the patient’s condition
Chemotherapy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be used before or after surgery

Symptoms:

Pain on the right side of the abdomen
Fatigue
Gradual weight loss

⚡ Stage III

Condition:

Multiple tumors inside the liver, or
Tumor spread to major blood vessels or nearby organs like the gallbladder.

Treatment:
In many cases, full surgical removal isn’t possible.
Treatment may include chemotherapy or radiofrequency ablation to reduce tumor size and relieve symptoms.

Symptoms:

Severe abdominal pain
Noticeable abdominal swelling
General weakness and fatigue
Mild jaundice

???? Stage IV

Condition:
The cancer has spread outside the liver to:

Lymph nodes
Lungs
Bones

Treatment:
The main goal is to control the disease and improve quality of life.
Includes:

Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy
Supportive care for pain relief, emotional well-being, and nutrition

Symptoms:

Severe, persistent abdominal pain
Rapid weight loss
Extreme fatigue and weakness
Noticeable jaundice
Breathing difficulty or bone pain (if metastasis occurs)

???? Nutritional Tips for Stage IV Liver Cancer

At this stage, the goal is not full recovery but maintaining strength, reducing fatigue, and improving quality of life.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting the body.

1️⃣ Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of 3 large meals, eat 5–6 smaller ones daily.
Helps with:

Reducing nausea
Improving nutrient absorption
Maintaining weight and energy

2️⃣ Increase Protein Intake
Protein repairs tissues and maintains muscle mass.
Best sources:

Eggs, yogurt, low-fat cheese
Boiled or grilled chicken and fish
Mashed legumes and protein-rich grains

3️⃣ Consume Healthy Fats in Moderation
Good fats provide energy without stressing the liver:

Olive oil, canola oil
Avocados, ground nuts
Avoid fried or fatty foods.

4️⃣ Stay Hydrated
Fluids are essential to support liver function and reduce fatigue.
Drink:

Water
Light natural juices
Nutritious warm soups

5️⃣ Eat Vitamin and Mineral-Rich Foods
Soft, easy-to-digest fruits and vegetables like:

Cooked carrots, zucchini, mashed potatoes
Apples, bananas, pears
These boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

6️⃣ Manage Nausea and Poor Appetite

Eat food warm or cool, not very hot
Avoid strong odors and greasy meals
Cut food into small pieces for easier digestion

7️⃣ Nutritional Supplements
If eating is difficult, doctors may recommend:

High-protein or high-calorie drinks
Vitamin and mineral supplements

8️⃣ Emotional and Dietary Support

Eating with family can increase appetite
Offering favorite foods can improve emotional comfort

⚠️ Detailed Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer often develops silently, with few or no early symptoms.
As it progresses, signs become more noticeable depending on tumor size and spread.

???? Early Symptoms

Mild pain in the right side of the abdomen or back
Bloating or fullness after eating
Gradual loss of appetite
Constant fatigue or weakness
Mild nausea or vomiting

???? Advanced Symptoms

As the disease progresses:

Abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup (ascites)
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Itchy skin caused by bile buildup
Dark urine and pale stools
Significant, unexplained weight loss
Leg swelling from fluid retention
Intense abdominal or back pain

???? Symptoms of Metastatic Liver Cancer

If cancer spreads to other organs, the patient may experience:

Bone pain (if it reaches the skeleton)
Cough or shortness of breath (if it spreads to the lungs)
Severe fatigue and weakness
Easy bruising or bleeding due to poor blood clotting

????️ Important Nutritional Tips for Stage 4 Liver Cancer Patients

In stage 4 liver cancer, the goal of treatment is to improve the patient’s quality of life and reduce fatigue rather than achieving a complete cure. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in supporting the body and maintaining strength during this stage.

???? 1️⃣ Small and Frequent Meals

Instead of eating three large meals a day, try dividing your food intake into five or six smaller meals.
This approach helps to:

Reduce nausea.
Improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Maintain energy and body weight.

???? 2️⃣ Focus on Protein

Protein helps the body repair tissues and preserve muscle mass.
Best protein sources include:

Eggs, yogurt, and low-fat cheese.
Grilled or boiled fish and chicken.
Mashed legumes and protein-rich grains.

???? 3️⃣ Use Healthy Fats

Healthy fats provide energy without overloading the liver.
Examples include:

Olive oil, avocado, and ground nuts.
Avoid fried foods or those high in saturated fats.

???? 4️⃣ Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough fluids supports liver function and reduces fatigue.
Recommended options:

Water.
Fresh, light fruit juices.
Warm, nutritious soups.

???? 5️⃣ Soft and Easy-to-Digest Fruits and Vegetables

Include foods such as:

Cooked carrots, zucchini, mashed potatoes.
Apples, bananas, and pears.
These help strengthen immunity and reduce inflammation.

???? 6️⃣ Managing Nausea and Loss of Appetite

Eat food cold or at room temperature rather than very hot.
Avoid strong smells or greasy meals.
Cut meals into small portions for easier digestion.

???? 7️⃣ Nutritional Supplements When Needed

If the patient cannot eat enough food, the doctor may recommend:

Protein or high-calorie drinks.
Vitamins and minerals according to the patient’s condition.

???? 8️⃣ Emotional Support

Eating habits are closely linked to emotional well-being.
Try to:

Serve meals the patient enjoys.
Encourage eating with family to improve mood and appetite.

???? Causes and Risk Factors of Liver Cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer in adults.
It often develops in people with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
It’s more common in men than women due to hormonal and lifestyle differences.

However, not everyone with a risk factor develops liver cancer, and sometimes it appears in people without any known cause.

1️⃣ Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection

A major cause of liver cancer.
Transmission:

Through blood, semen, or other body fluids.
From mother to child during birth.
Unprotected sexual contact.
Shared or contaminated needles.

How it leads to cancer:
Chronic infection causes long-term liver inflammation, leading to cirrhosis and then cancer.

Prevention:
Childhood vaccination against hepatitis B significantly lowers future risk.

2️⃣ Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection

Transmitted mainly through contaminated blood, especially by sharing needles or sharp instruments.

In the past, transmission sometimes occurred during blood transfusions or organ transplants, but screening has greatly reduced this risk.

Effect:
Chronic infection leads to cirrhosis, which directly increases the risk of liver cancer.

3️⃣ Liver Cirrhosis (Cirrhosis)

Cirrhosis is one of the most serious outcomes of chronic liver disease or heavy alcohol use.
Healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue that blocks blood flow and impairs function.

Common causes:

Chronic hepatitis B or C infection.
Excessive alcohol consumption.

Patients with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C are at a significantly higher risk of developing liver cancer.

4️⃣ Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is a leading cause of cirrhosis and thus a major risk factor for liver cancer.

Studies show that heavy drinkers with cirrhosis are 10 times more likely to develop liver cancer than non-cirrhotic individuals.

Even without cirrhosis, alcohol can still severely damage liver cells over time.

5️⃣ Aflatoxin (Aflatoxin B1)

A toxic substance produced by certain molds found in poorly stored food, especially in warm, humid climates.

High-risk foods:

Corn.
Peanuts.
Nuts.

Aflatoxin can damage the DNA of liver cells and eventually trigger cancer development.

6️⃣ Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

This liver condition occurs when fat accumulates in the liver without alcohol use.
Over time, fat buildup causes inflammation and fibrosis, which can lead to cancer.

Risk increases in people with:

Obesity.
Type 2 diabetes.
High cholesterol.

Even without full cirrhosis, liver cancer can develop in NASH patients.

7️⃣ Smoking

Smoking increases liver cancer risk significantly.
The longer and heavier the smoking habit, the higher the risk.
It also worsens the harmful effects of hepatitis viruses.

8️⃣ Rare Genetic and Metabolic Disorders

Certain inherited diseases can increase liver cancer risk, such as:

Hemochromatosis (iron overload).
Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation in the liver).
Some rare metabolic syndromes.

???? Early Detection of Liver Cancer

Early screening helps identify tumors or abnormal changes before symptoms appear, which greatly improves treatment outcomes and survival chances.

???? Main Screening Tests for Liver Cancer

Ultrasound (US):
Uses sound waves to produce liver images.
It’s simple, safe, and the first-line method for detecting tumors or cirrhosis.
CT Scan:
Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the liver, often after injecting a contrast dye.
Spiral CT scans can detect even small tumors accurately.
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test:
A blood test measuring AFP levels.
High AFP may indicate liver cancer but is not conclusive alone — it’s used alongside imaging tests.

???? Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

If screening shows abnormalities, further tests confirm the diagnosis:

Physical Exam & Medical History:
Doctors check for liver enlargement or lumps and review medical background and risk factors.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs):
Blood tests measuring liver enzymes and proteins.
High levels may suggest damage or tumor activity.
MRI Scan:
Creates detailed liver images using magnetic waves, sometimes with special dye for better precision.
Liver Biopsy:
A small tissue sample is taken and examined under a microscope — the most accurate diagnostic method.
PET Scan:
Shows cellular activity using a radioactive glucose tracer.
Cancer cells appear brighter due to higher energy use.
Helps determine the spread of cancer inside or outside the liver.

???? Treatment for Malignant Liver Tumors

Treatment depends on tumor stage, spread, and overall liver health.
Some cases are curable; others focus on slowing progression and easing symptoms.

1️⃣ Surgical Treatment

Partial liver resection is a key option when the tumor is confined.
The affected part of the liver is removed along with some surrounding tissue.
Because the liver can regenerate, the remaining tissue often restores normal function.

2️⃣ Radiation Therapy

Uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Types:

External Beam Radiation: Directed at the liver from outside the body.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): A precise 3D-guided technique delivering high doses in 3–5 short sessions.