Knowledge is the first form of protection. Here's what liver cancer is, the different types, who is most at risk, the warning signs to watch for, and how it's detected and treated.
Cancer is a condition where normal cells undergo changes and begin to grow uncontrollably, often forming a lump known as a tumor or mass. Tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The type of cancer is typically named after the area of the body where it originates.
When cancer begins in the liver, it is referred to as primary liver cancer. If cancer spreads to the liver from another part of the body—a process called metastasis—it is not classified as liver cancer.
In most cases, when we talk about “liver cancer,” we are referring to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer. HCC originates in the main type of liver cells. There are also other, less common types of liver cancer, sometimes called hepatobiliary cancers, which include:
Liver cancer isn't a single disease — here are the recognized types, where each one starts, and how common it is.
Where does the cancer start? Liver cells called hepatocytes.
How common is it? The most common type of liver cancer — accounts for about 90% of liver cancers.
Where does the cancer start? The bile duct, which begins inside the liver and extends to the small intestine.
How common is it? Accounts for about 9% of liver cancers.
Where does the cancer start? Blood vessels in the liver.
How common is it? Accounts for less than 1% of liver cancers.
Where does the cancer start? Gallbladder lining.
How common is it? Accounts for less than 1% of liver cancers.
Where does the cancer start? Embryonic (or early stage) liver cells.
How common is it? A very rare kind of liver cancer usually found in children younger than 4 years.
Where does the cancer start? Found in hepatocytes but often involves growth into the bile ducts.
How common is it? A rare and unique form of liver cancer occurring most commonly in children and young adults without hepatitis or cirrhosis. Accounts for less than 1% to 8% of all hepatocellular carcinomas.
Where does the cancer start? The tumor often spreads throughout the liver and/or to the lungs.
How common is it? The third most common liver cancer in children and adolescents; usually occurs in children aged between 5 and 10 years.
Where does the cancer start? Starts in the placenta and spreads to the fetus.
How common is it? A very rare type of cancer usually found during the first few months of life.
Where does the cancer start? Cancer of the blood vessels in the liver and other organs.
How common is it? A rare type of cancer occurring in infants; tumors are often benign (not cancer), but a small number of children may develop cancerous tumors over time.
A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood of developing a disease, such as cancer. Each type of cancer has its own set of risk factors. However, having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will definitely develop cancer, and some individuals with no known risk factors may still be diagnosed with it. Generally, the more risk factors a person has, the higher their chances of developing the disease.
Understanding your risk factors and discussing them with your healthcare provider can help you make informed decisions about your lifestyle and medical care to potentially reduce your risk.
The leading global risk factor for liver cancer is chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Around 15%–25% of people with chronic HBV infection develop serious liver conditions such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. In fact, the risk of liver cancer in individuals with chronic hepatitis B can exceed the risk of lung cancer in heavy smokers. Fortunately, long-term antiviral treatment can lower the risk of liver cancer by up to 60%. Being aware of these factors can aid in early detection and prevention efforts.
Liver cancer is largely preventable by addressing its primary risk factors, especially chronic infections with hepatitis B and C. Without widespread prevention efforts, the number of liver cancer cases is projected to increase significantly over the next two decades.
The hepatitis B vaccine, recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first “anti-cancer” vaccine, helps prevent chronic hepatitis B infection—a major cause of liver cancer. By preventing the infection, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing liver cancer.
Approximately 80% of people diagnosed with liver cancer also have cirrhosis. While hepatitis B can lead directly to liver cancer without cirrhosis, in most cases, preventing cirrhosis helps lower the risk. Cirrhosis prevention includes:
If you are at high risk for liver cancer—such as those living with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or other known risk factors—it is recommended that you see a doctor at least once a year. These regular checkups help monitor liver function and viral load, allowing for early detection of liver damage or cancer and improving treatment success.
Early detection through regular liver cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to improve survival rates. When liver cancer is found at an early stage—before symptoms appear and while the tumor is still small—treatment is more likely to be successful. The 5-year survival rate for early-stage liver cancer that can be surgically removed may exceed 50%.
People with cirrhosis or other high-risk conditions should undergo liver cancer screening during routine medical visits, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. A hepatologist (a liver disease specialist) may be involved in your care to ensure appropriate monitoring and treatment.
Because liver cancer often develops silently, people with chronic hepatitis B or C should be screened regularly to detect tumors early—before they grow too large or disqualify a patient from curative treatments like liver transplantation.
Liver cancer in its early stages often has no symptoms, which is why regular screening is essential. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to consult a qualified healthcare provider promptly if they occur.
To confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer, a range of tests may be conducted, including:
Over the past two decades, liver cancer treatment and prevention have made significant strides. Today, the disease can often be prevented, detected earlier, and managed effectively with a range of treatment options depending on the stage and health of the liver.
Treatment decisions are highly individual and must balance the potential benefits with the risks, including the possibility of liver failure and impact on quality of life. Treatment approaches may include surgery, liver transplantation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and localized treatments such as radiofrequency ablation or embolization techniques.
Early detection and informed, timely treatment can lead to significantly better outcomes and improved survival.
The surgical procedure is where part of the liver tissue is removed. The goal is to remove the entire tumor, along with a margin of healthy tissue. Removing the part of the liver that has cancer is only possible if the cancer is detected early enough and has not spread to the blood vessels or outside the liver.
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill the cancer cells. It is a systemic treatment where the drugs are usually injected into a vein and they enter the bloodstream and are carried throughout the body. This can affect both cancer and healthy cells.
A treatment that utilizes the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. It works by boosting or modifying the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells.
If chemotherapy is not effective and the patient also cannot undergo surgery, health care providers may treat the patient with targeted oral therapies (pills taken by mouth). The drugs used precisely identify and attack certain cancer cells, often by targeting specific molecules that cancer cells need to survive.
Also known as radiotherapy, may be an option for some people who cannot have surgery. It uses high energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, often as part of a larger cancer treatment plan.
Liver cancer is treated by a team of specialists, which may include surgeons, hepatologists (liver disease experts), medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Your care team may also involve an oncology nurse and a registered dietitian to support you throughout the process.
Before starting treatment, it's important to have a detailed discussion with your healthcare team about your options. The best treatment plan for you will depend on several key factors, including:
A personalized approach ensures the treatment is tailored to your unique medical needs and lifestyle.
Early liver cancer is often silent. If you live with a known risk factor, ask your doctor about regular check-ups—even when you feel well. This page is for awareness and education only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
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