Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a cancer which starts in the liver, rather than migrating to the liver from another organ or section of the body. In other words, it is a primary liver cancer.

Cancers that originate elsewhere and eventually reach the liver are known as liver metastasis or secondary liver cancers, and are most commonly from cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (colon cancer), lung cancer, renal cancer (cancer of the kidney), ovarian cancer and prostate cancer.

The liver, which is located below the right lung and under the ribcage is one of the largest organs of the human body. It is divided into the right and left lobes. Nutrient-rich blood is carried by the portal vein from the intestines to the liver, while oxygen-rich blood reaches the liver from the hepatic artery.

All vertebrates (animals with a spinal column) have a liver, as do some other animals. The liver has a range of functions, including detoxification (getting rid of toxins), synthesizing proteins, breaking down fats, and producing biochemicals that are essential for digestion. We cannot survive without a liver.

The exact cause of liver cancer is unknown, but most cases are associated with damage and scarring of the liver known as cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis can have a number of different causes, including:
drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years – read more about alcohol misuse
having a long-term hepatitis B or hepatitis C viral infection
haemochromatosis – an inherited disorder in which iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years
primary biliary cirrhosis – a long-term liver disease in which the bile ducts in the liver become damaged
It's also believed obesity and an unhealthy diet can increase the risk of liver cancer because this can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
You may be able to significantly reduce your chances of developing liver cancer by:
avoiding or cutting down on alcohol
eating healthily
exercising regularly
taking steps to reduce your risk of becoming infected with hepatitis B and C
Although liver cancer is relatively uncommon in the UK, the chances of developing the condition are high for people with risk factors for the condition.
Over the past few decades, rates of liver cancer in the UK have risen considerably, possibly as a result of increased levels of alcohol consumption and obesity.

Symptoms of liver cancer are often vague and don't appear until the cancer is at an advanced stage. They can include:
unintentional 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. They're more likely to be the result of a more common condition, such as an infection, but it's best to have them checked.
You should also contact your GP if you've previously been diagnosed with a condition known to affect the liver, such as cirrhosis or a hepatitis C infection, and your health suddenly deteriorates.

Treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage the condition is at. If diagnosed early, it may be possible to remove the cancer completely.
Treatment options in the early stages of liver cancer include:
surgical resection – surgery to remove a section of liver
liver transplant – where the liver is replaced with a donor liver
microwave or radiofrequency ablation – where microwaves or radio waves are used to destroy the cancerous cells
However, only a small proportion of liver cancers are diagnosed at a stage where these treatments are suitable. Most people are diagnosed when the cancer has spread too far to be removed or completely destroyed.
In these cases, treatments such as chemotherapy are used to slow down the spread of the cancer and relieve symptoms such as pain and discomfort.

Liver cancer is usually diagnosed after a consultation with a GP and a referral to a hospital specialist for further tests, such as scans of your liver.
However, regular check-ups for liver cancer (known as surveillance) are often recommended for people known to have a high risk of developing the condition, such as those with cirrhosis.
Having regular check-ups helps ensure the condition is diagnosed early. The earlier liver cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment is likely to be.