Liver and bile duct cancers can be hard to treat in more advanced stages because early symptoms often go unnoticed. Many patients are diagnosed at a later stage when treatment options are more limited.
If you’re at risk or are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, our specialized team of experts is dedicated to liver and bile duct cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment. Schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable doctors today.
Signs and Symptoms of Liver and Bile Duct Cancers
Liver and bile duct cancers are on the rise in the United States. This is partly due to more people being diagnosed with cirrhosis linked to chronic hepatitis C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Early detection is critical, so understanding the symptoms and risk factors can help you reduce your risk of developing liver or bile duct cancer.
Liver and bile duct cancer symptoms often do not appear in early stages of the disease and may only become noticeable as the disease progresses. Additionally, small tumors can be difficult to detect because the liver and bile ducts are protected by the ribs. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Upper abdominal pain or pain on the right side below the ribs
- Back pain or pain near the right shoulder blade
- Abdominal swelling or fluid buildup
- Visible swollen veins under the abdominal skin
- Enlarged liver and/or spleen
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- White, chalky stools
- Dark urine
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Itching
- Unexplained eight loss
- Feeling full after eating a small meal
- Low blood sugar levels
- Nausea and vomiting
Symptoms of end-stage liver disease may include:
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Intense itching
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Problems with concentration and memory
- Recurrent jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Abdominal and leg swelling
Experiencing these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have liver cancer, but if you’re concerned, it’s important to speak with your doctor.
Types of Liver and Bile Duct Cancer
- Primary liver cancer: Also called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatoma, primary liver cancer is the most common type of liver tumor - about 75% of all diagnoses. Primary liver cancer starts in liver cells called hepatocellular cells. Most primary liver cancer is from a hepatitis B or C infection or cirrhosis of the liver.
- Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A rare subtype of primary liver cancer that may respond better to treatment than other forms of liver cancer.
- Intrahepatic bile duct cancer: A rare subtype of primary liver cancer that may respond better to treatment than other forms of liver cancer.
- Extrahepatic bile duct cancer: This is the most common type of bile duct cancer and occurs in the bile ducts outside the liver. It tends to be more treatable than other types.
- Angiosarcoma: A rare and aggressive form of liver cancer that begins in the liver’s blood vessels. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
- Hepatoblastoma: A very rare type of liver cancer that typically affects children under the age of four.
- Secondary liver cancer (liver metastasis): This occurs when cancer from another part of the body, often colon or colorectal cancer, spreads to the liver.
If you’re concerned about your liver health or at risk for liver or bile duct cancer, talk to a specialist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options.
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