Liver cancer. Coloured 3-D computed tomography scan of a patient's abdomen showing a malignant tumour (green) in the liver. The spine and ribs appear yellow. Also shown are the hepatic portal vein (red) and the hepatic vein (blue). Primary cancer of the liver is often caused by infection with hepatitis B, which sometimes results in the formation of a hepatoma - the most common form of cancer worldwide. Surgical removal of the tumour or a liver transplant can completely cure this condition. Secondary liver cancer is incurable. Symptoms include weight loss, lethargy and abdominal pain, followed by jaundice and ascites in the later stages.