Liver cancer

There were 129 cases of liver and cancer arising in bile ducts within the liver in Northern Ireland in 2017. Primary liver cancer is a rare but serious type of cancer that begins in the liver. 

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of liver cancer are often vague and don't appear until the cancer is at an advanced stage. They can include:

  • unexplained weight loss;
  • loss of appetite;
  • feeling very full after eating, even if the meal was small;
  • feeling sick and vomiting;
  • pain or swelling in your abdomen (tummy);
  • jaundice (yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes);
  • itchy skin;
  • feeling very tired and weak.

Visit your GP if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. Although they are more likely to be the result of a more common condition, such as an infection, it's best to have them checked.

Resources

Below is a list of links to websites that can provide more information on liver cancer:

This is not an exhaustive list and other sources of support in Northern Ireland can also be accessed via Northern Ireland Cancer Network.

Signs and symptoms