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What You Need To Know About™ Liver Cancer
    Posted: 02/08/2002    Updated: 09/16/2002



Introduction






The Liver






Understanding Cancer






Liver Cancer: Who's at Risk?







Symptoms






Diagnosis






Staging






Treatment






Getting a Second Opinion






Treatment Choices






Localized resectable cancer






Localized unresectable cancer






Advanced cancer






Recurrent cancer






Side Effects of Treatment






Pain Control






Nutrition






Continuing Care






Support for People with Liver Cancer






The Promise of Cancer Research






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Symptoms

Liver cancer is sometimes called a "silent disease" because in an early stage it often does not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side; the pain may extend to the back and shoulder

  • Swollen abdomen (bloating)

  • Weight loss

  • Loss of appetite and feelings of fullness

  • Weakness or feeling very tired

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice

  • Fever

These symptoms are not sure signs of liver cancer. Other liver diseases and other health problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

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