In most patients with HCC, the most common type of primary liver cancer, there are often no symptoms even when the tumour has grown large. As the cancer advances, some symptoms may show. These include:

• Unexplained and unintentional weight loss
• General weakness and lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling very full after a small meal
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal swelling or a bloated abdomen
• A mass felt under the ribs on the right side because of an enlarged liver
• An enlarged spleen
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Enlarged veins on the belly that become visible through the skin
• Dark coloured urine

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms that worry you.