Answers to the Common Questions on Liver Cancer Risk

Primary liver cancer, which develops almost entirely in livers already damaged by another condition.

Key takeaways

• Main risk factor: cirrhosis from any cause
• Surveillance: ultrasound every 6 months in cirrhosis
• Most useful single change: Attend six-monthly surveillance if you have cirrhosis.
• Commonest mistake: Missing surveillance scans because you feel well.
• See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.

What is Liver Cancer Risk?

Primary liver cancer, which develops almost entirely in livers already damaged by another condition.

Why does it matter?

Surveillance in people with cirrhosis finds it early enough to treat, which is why attending scans matters so much.

Main risk factor for Liver Cancer Risk?

Cirrhosis from any cause.

Other risks for Liver Cancer Risk?

Chronic hepatitis B, heavy alcohol, fatty liver disease.

What is the single most useful thing to do?

Attend six-monthly surveillance if you have cirrhosis.

What is the most common mistake?

Missing surveillance scans because you feel well.

When should I see a doctor?

See a GP promptly for unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, upper right abdominal pain or a lump, persistent nausea, or worsening jaundice. Seek urgent help for vomiting blood, black tarry stools, abdominal swelling, or confusion, which indicate decompensation.

Where to go next

• Liver Cancer Risk, Explained Without the Jargon
• A Working Checklist for Liver Cancer Risk
• Liver Cancer Risk — the reference entry
• What the Guidance Really Says About Fatty Liver Disease
• Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: What Published Guidance Supports

When to speak to a doctor

See a GP promptly for unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, upper right abdominal pain or a lump, persistent nausea, or worsening jaundice. Seek urgent help for vomiting blood, black tarry stools, abdominal swelling, or confusion, which indicate decompensation.

Where this comes from

• NICE — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral
• British Liver Trust — liver cancer

How this page was put together

Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.

Medical disclaimer

This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.