Like all other body organs, your liver can get cancer. Liver cancer is a disease in which some of the cells in your liver begin to reproduce faster than they should. This can lead to liver masses called tumors. The medical term for the most common cancer that begins in the liver is hepatocellular carcinoma (pronounced "HEP-a-toe-SEL-yoo-ler KAR-sih-NOH-muh"), or HCC for short. Some people also call it "hepatoma." We refer to HCC as "liver cancer" here.

Who gets liver cancer?

People with cirrhosis are at increased risk of developing liver cancer. The cirrhosis may be due to hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, alcohol, fatty liver, or other causes. People living with hepatitis B are also at risk of liver cancer even if they have not developed cirrhosis, especially if they have a high hepatitis B viral load or are of Asian or African descent. Among patients living in the United States with both hepatitis C and cirrhosis, about 1 to 4% per year will develop liver cancer.

Who is at higher risk?

People at higher risk of liver cancer include:

• anyone with cirrhosis, due to any underlying cause (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcohol, hemochromatosis, fatty liver, and others)
• anyone infected with the hepatitis B virus who has a family history of liver cancer
• Asian men with hepatitis B, over age 40
• Asian women with hepatitis B, over age 50
• African and/or North American Black people with hepatitis B

What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

Most people with liver cancer do not have any symptoms early on. Those who do have symptoms often have some pain in the right side of the abdomen, under the ribs, where the liver is located. Or they may have a build-up of fluid in their abdomen, called ascites.

Key facts to know

• Liver cancer can cause death in a person with cirrhosis.
• Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, especially in Asia and Africa, and it is becoming increasingly common in the United States.
• If liver cancer is diagnosed in earlier stages, then there is a better chance of a good outcome.
• Patients with cirrhosis from any cause, including hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and alcohol use, have a greater risk of developing liver cancer.
• Preventing cirrhosis is the best way of preventing liver cancer.