# What are the main causes of primary liver cancer? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-are-the-main-causes-of-primary-liver-cancer Language: en Category: oncology Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.297Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:52.297Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-are-the-main-causes-of-primary-liver-cancer Primary liver cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the liver cells themselves, unlike secondary cancer, which spreads to the liver from another organ [\[1\]](). Several factors increase the risk of developing primary liver cancer, and these factors mostly involve chronic health conditions affecting the liver. ## Chronic Viral Hepatitis Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are among the main causes of primary liver cancer. Persistent infection with these viruses can lead to long-term liver damage, which increases the likelihood of cancer cells developing. In some parts of Asia, where rates of hepatitis B infection are high, hepatocellular carcinoma is more common [\[2\]](). ## Cirrhosis Cirrhosis, or liver scarring, is a serious condition often resulting from long-term liver damage. Cirrhosis can occur as a result of many conditions, including chronic viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, and some genetic liver diseases. Cirrhosis is a major risk factor for primary liver cancer, as the scarred tissue in the liver is more susceptible to the development of cancer cells [\[1\]](). ## Other Risk Factors - **Excessive Alcohol Use:** Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis, which in turn increases the risk of developing liver cancer [\[1\]](). - **Obesity and Diabetes:** Obesity and diabetes are associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, often due to their link to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can progress to cirrhosis [\[1\]](). - **Hemochromatosis:** This is a genetic disease that causes the body to store too much iron, leading to liver damage and increasing the risk of cancer [\[1\]](). - **Certain Genetic Syndromes:** Conditions such as Alagille syndrome and glycogen storage disease can increase the risk of liver cancer, especially in children and adolescents [\[2\]](). ## Importance of Screening and Prevention Since many risk factors for primary liver cancer are related to chronic liver conditions, preventing or effectively managing these conditions is crucial. This includes vaccination against hepatitis B, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing conditions like diabetes. If you believe you are at risk for liver cancer, it is important to speak with your doctor about performing the necessary screenings. Tests that include liver and blood screenings can help diagnose liver cancer [\[1\]](). For more information on risk factors, early symptoms, and the latest detection and treatment methods, you can visit [Liver Cancer: Risk Factors, Early Symptoms, and the Latest Detection and Treatment Methods (Arabic)](). ## When Should You Seek Emergency Care? Although symptoms of liver cancer may not appear until its advanced stages, the appearance of certain symptoms warrants immediate medical consultation. These symptoms include the appearance of a lump or pain in the right side of the abdomen and yellowing of the skin (jaundice) [\[1\]](). These symptoms may be an indicator of a serious problem that requires urgent medical evaluation to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. ## Medical references - [Liver Cancer]() - [Childhood Hepatocellular Carcinoma]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-are-the-main-causes-of-primary-liver-cancer#answer