Primary liver cancer occurs when the cancer arises from the liver cells. The most common type is called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is usually seen in people who have had underlying liver disease for many years that has led to liver scarring (cirrhosis). In New Zealand, common underlying liver diseases include hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Secondary cancer in the liver occurs when a cancer develops elsewhere in the body and spreads to the liver via the bloodstream. This is the most common type of cancer in the liver.

Liver cancer is usually diagnosed using special radiology tests, such as ultrasound, CT scan and MRI. For primary liver cancer, a blood test is often used to help the diagnosis (alpha-fetoprotein).  

How can it be treated?

The treatment of primary liver cancer depends on how far the cancer has spread and whether there is underlying liver disease. Treatments include surgery to remove part (resection) or all (transplant) of the liver, chemotherapy, and biological agents (drugs that interfere with the signalling pathways in cancer cells).

The prognosis for liver cancer depends on many factors, including whether it is primary or secondary, how advanced it is at the time of diagnosis, and whether all the cancer can be removed with surgery.

What are the symptoms?

Cancer in the liver does not usually cause symptoms until it has reached a more advanced stage. These symptoms can also arise in other conditions, including liver disease without cancer.

• Fever

• Abdominal swelling

• Excessive tiredness or weakness

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Pain on the right side of the upper abdomen

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Pale bowel movements

Risks

Alongside lifestyle factors such as high alcohol consumption and smoking, these factors can increase risk of developing liver cancer

• Hepatitis B or C infection: this can lead to long-term (chronic) infection which can cause liver cancer

• Liver cirrhosis

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

• Rare genetic disorders including haemochromatosis and alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency

• Type 2 diabetes

If you have any of these symptoms for a prolonged period, or think you may be at risk, see your GP.