Liver cancer

There are several cancer types that originate in the liver (primary liver cancer). The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some people develop tumors in the liver due to cancer in other body parts that has spread through the body, like colon cancer. You can find more specific information about liver metastases on this page .

Read more about the symptoms, the most common diagnostic tests and treatments, and your treatment team on this page.

Every year, approximately 800 people are diagnosed with liver cancer. These people have primary liver cancer (cancer that develops in the liver). Liver cancer is more common in men than in women.

For approximately one in five patients with primary liver cancer, the cause is unclear. Four in five patients have liver damage (cirrhosis of the liver). Cirrhosis of the liver can be caused by:

Liver infection caused by a virus (viral hepatitis)
Gall duct infections
Excessive alcohol use
Hemochromatosis (a hereditary disease causing the body to absorb too much iron from food, which builds up in the liver)
Fatty liver disease, usually caused by obesity

Symptoms liver cancer

People who develop cancer in the liver often don't experience symptoms at first. The cause of the tumor, the location, size, and number determines the type of symptoms that will occur. The cause of the tumor, like cirrhosis, can cause symptoms. Some common symptoms are:

Enlarged liver and (dull) pain in the upper abdomen
Nausea or vomiting
Decreased appetite
Unexplainable weight loss
Generalized weakness and fatigue
Itchiness and jaundice (a yellow tint on the skin and eyes)
Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
Spontaneous bleedings as a result of blood clotting disorders

All our specialists are specialized in the treatment of liver cancer. They join together in the penile cancer focus group and join together every week for a multidisciplinary team meeting where they will discuss your personal situation, test results, and medical history in order to find the treatment option that best fits you. Your practicing physician will discuss your options with you. At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we value your thoughts and input on your treatment.