The survival rate for liver cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. If detected early, when the tumour is small and treatment can be effectively administered, the five-year survival rate can be more than 40%. When liver cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, the survival rate significantly decreases as treatment options become more limited.
If diagnosed at an early stage, liver cancer may be cured with surgical options such as a liver resection. For liver cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage, treatment is focused on controlling the cancer, slowing its progression and managing symptoms rather than curing the disease.
Liver cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include unexplained weight loss, a loss of appetite, nausea, a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts and pain or swelling in the abdomen. If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation.
