Among the most challenging of cancers to detect early on, liver cancer often goes unnoticed because initial symptoms are so hard to pinpoint. This is especially true if the patient has suffered from other liver conditions, such as cirrhosis.As symptoms of liver cancer do develop the individual may experience:Pain or swelling in the upper abdomen - cancer cells may cause inflammation leading to pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomenUnexplained weight lossLoss of appetiteNausea and/or vomitingWhite or chalky stoolsJaundice - a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by a disruption of normal liver function which leads to bile gathering in the cellsWeakness and tiredness - a result of poor liver function, similar to the symptoms of fluTender liverBecause early symptoms of liver cancer can be very mild it is most likely that it will be detected in this stage through routine testing. Any of these symptoms are sufficient cause to make a doctor's appointment as soon as possible.Types of Liver CancerThe causes of most liver cancers are not currently known, although a history of liver disease can lead to the condition. For example, certain chronic infections can cause cancer to develop. Cancer is the result of DNA based mutations in the cells. These changes can result in one of several forms of the disease.Hepatoblastoma - Affects infants and young childrenHepatocellular carcinoma - This cancer starts in the hepatocytes, a type of liver cell. It is the most common form of primary liver cancer.Cholangiocarcinoma - Originating in the small bile ducts of the liver, this cancer may also be called bile duct cancer.- or Hemangio-sarcoma - A cancer of the blood vessels in the liver. This form grows very quickly.It is one of the ironies of liver cancer that in areas where liver cancer is common it often goes undetected longer because those same regions often lack the facilities to test for the disease and the environmental causes are more prevalent. In areas where it is less common, it is more likely to be found earlier.