Liver cancer has been on the rise over the last decade. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer, which tends to occur in livers damaged by birth defects, alcohol abuse, or the infections that come with hepatitis B and C. Hepatoblastoma is the most common form of liver cancer in children. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a type of liver cancer that affects the bile ducts on the inside and the outside of the liver.

The treatments and success rates for liver cancer may vary. Some options include removal of part of the liver, chemotherapy, radiation, and liver transplant. Like most cancers, the outcome of liver cancer is likely to be better if you catch it early. Unfortunately, it is often hard to find liver cancer early because signs and symptoms often do not appear until the later stages. Be on the lookout for any of the following most common signs of liver cancer:

1. Unexplained weight loss
One of the first signs of cancer is unexplained weight loss. This may sound like a good thing, but if your diet and exercise has not changed, and you have a sudden drop in weight, it may be a sign of liver cancer.

2. No appetite
The liver plays a key role in the digestive tract which means a decrease in appetite could point to problems in the liver. Lack of appetite alone does not directly lead to disease but if you have a lack of appetite along with several of the other symptoms, it is best to consult a physician.

3. Upper abdominal pain
The liver is a football sized organ on the upper right side of the belly. In the case of liver cancer, the tumor will continue to grow and the symptoms will worsen.

4. Nausea and vomiting
Gastrointestinal symptoms would include bloating, fluid in the abdomen, feeling nauseous or repeated vomiting not associated with any other conditions. These are all signs the liver may not be feeling well.

5. Chronic fatigue
Fatigue is a very common symptom of liver cancer and can be debilitating at times.

6. Jaundice
The yellowing of the skin and eyes is usually not a good sign. Bilirubin is the part of the bile fluid produced by the liver and when it builds up it is called jaundice.

7. White or chalky stools
The color of stool can be affected by different foods and medications, but it is usually a brownish color. Bile is what gives stool its brown color, so white stool would indicate there is a problem with the digestive fluid which is produced by the liver.

8. Other symptoms
Additional symptoms of liver cancer can include fever, enlarged veins on the belly that can be seen through the skin, and abnormal bruising or bleeding.