Can Liver Cancer Cause Jaundice? What You Should Know

Have you ever noticed someone’s eyes turning yellow and wondered what it means? Jaundice is not a disease on its own.  It is a sign that something inside the body is not working properly. And yes, liver cancer can cause jaundice. But how? And why does it happen? Let’s understand it simply.

What is jaundice?

Jaundice occurs due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow material that forms as a result of the breakdown of old red blood cells. A normal liver processes it and eliminates it in the body. When the liver is not able to do this in the proper way, the bilirubin rises. This may lead to Yellow skin Yellow eyes Dark-color urinePale stools, or Itchy skin. It is usually one of the first signs of liver trouble.

How liver cancer leads to jaundice

Liver cancer can cause jaundice in a couple of ways.

• Blockage in the Bile Ducts: The liver makes bile, which helps digest fats. Bile flows through minute ducts known as bile ducts. When these ducts are blocked by a tumor, the bile is not able to flow out. When bile backs up, bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream. That buildup causes the yellow color.
• Damage to Liver: Tissue Cancer can damage healthy liver cells. When enough cells are affected, the liver struggles to process bilirubin. Even without a blockage, this damage alone can lead to jaundice.

Is jaundice always cancer?

No. Jaundice can also happen due to:

• Hepatitis
• Gallstones
• Heavy alcohol use
• Certain infections
• Pancreatic problems

That’s why proper medical testing is important. Still, jaundice should never be ignored — especially if it appears suddenly or gets worse.

Other symptoms to watch For

If jaundice appears along with any of these, medical attention is important:

• Ongoing abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Constant fatigue
• Swelling in the abdomen

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they do mean something needs attention.

The truth

Yes, liver cancer can cause jaundice, especially in later stages. But jaundice is a warning sign, not a final answer. If you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, don’t delay. Early evaluation can make a difference. Listening to your body matters.