Living with Liver Cancer: Coping and Support Strategies

3. Swelling of the abdomen

When suffering from liver cancer, a general swelling of the abdomen is mainly caused by a build-up of fluid. Called ascites, the fluid builds because the liver is highly congested. This is because the blood vessels in the liver have an enormous pressure put on them, so the blood gets backed up and can't flow normally. This forces the fluid to leak from the veins into the abdomen. The most common symptom to experience will be the belly growing, but it can also cause discomfort and pain, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.