The liver can sometimes show visible signs of disease, but many people with early liver disease have no symptoms at all. Also, these signs can have causes unrelated to the liver.
Possible visible signs include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice): Can occur when bilirubin builds up in the body.
- Easy bruising or bleeding: The liver helps make proteins involved in blood clotting.
- Swollen abdomen (ascites): Fluid may accumulate in the abdomen in advanced liver disease.
- Swelling of the legs or ankles: Can occur with advanced liver disease or other conditions.
- Itchy skin: Sometimes associated with liver or bile duct disorders.
- Spider-like blood vessels (spider angiomas): Small, branching blood vessels that may appear on the face, neck, or upper chest.
- Red palms (palmar erythema): Redness of the palms that can have several causes, including liver disease.
- Dark urine and pale or clay-colored stools: May indicate problems with bile flow.
Other symptoms that may accompany liver disease include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
These signs do not necessarily mean someone has liver disease. For example, swelling can result from heart or kidney problems, and jaundice has several possible causes.
If you notice yellowing of the eyes or skin, persistent abdominal swelling, confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, or severe abdominal pain, seek prompt medical evaluation.
If you have concerns about your liver, a healthcare professional may recommend blood tests (liver function tests) and, if needed, imaging such as an ultrasound to help determine the cause.
