Controlling the symptoms of cancer in the liver

If the cancer stretches the layer or tissue surrounding the liver (capsule), it may cause pain. Some people get pain in the right shoulder. Doctors sometimes call this referred pain. It can happen if the liver stimulates the nerves under the diaphragm (the sheet of muscle under the lungs that separates the chest from the abdomen). These nerves connect to nerves in the right shoulder.

There are different types of painkillers your doctor can prescribe. If your pain is not controlled, tell them as soon as possible. They can change the dose or give you a different one that works better for you.

Strong painkillers often cause constipation. Your doctor can prescribe a laxative for you. Eating foods containing fibre and drinking plenty of fluids will also help.

Sometimes drugs called steroids can relieve pain by reducing swelling around the liver. You may have them for a few weeks or months. They can sometimes make you feel more energetic and improve your appetite.

Sometimes the bile duct gets blocked by the cancer. The bile duct is a tube that drains bile out of the liver and into the small bowel. If it is blocked, bile builds up in the liver and flows back into the blood. Symptoms include:

• yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin
• feeling itchy
• your poo (stools) may become pale
• your pee (urine) being very dark.

Doctors call these symptoms jaundice. There are other causes of jaundice. We have more information about jaundice and how it can be treated.

Some people lose interest in food. This may be a:

• symptom of the cancer
• side effect of the treatment you are having.

You may not like the sight or smell of food. It may help to:

• have small, simple meals more often
• eat your favourite foods.

Sometimes medicines called steroids can help increase your appetite. Your doctor may prescribe these.

Your nurse or a dietitian can give you advice about ways to improve your appetite and eat well.

The liver makes a lot of the body’s heat. People with cancer in the liver sometimes have swings in body temperature. You may feel:

• hot and sweat more
• cold and shivery.

If you have these changes, talk to your doctor. There may be medicines that can help.

If you have itching, tell your doctor about it. The treatment they give you depends on the cause of the itching. Itching may be caused by:

• jaundice
• cancer treatment
• medication.

Here are some tips to help cope with itching:

• Keep your nails short and clean.
• Try not to scratch. It can damage your skin and make the itching worse.
• Wear loose clothing made of natural fibres, such as cotton. Avoid scratchy fabrics, such as wool.
• If possible, keep the temperature around you cool. Use slightly warm water when you have a bath or shower.
• Dry your skin by patting rather than rubbing.
• Apply non-scented moisturisers (emollients) 3 times a day, or as often as your nurse or doctor recommends. Put it on after having a bath or shower.
• Caffeine, alcohol and spices may make itching worse. If you notice this, try to cut down or avoid them.
• If itching is affecting your sleep, tell your doctor. They may give you medicine to take at night to help.