Yellow Eyes: Are They a Sign of Liver Cancer?

When a patient's eyes appear yellow, the correct medical term for this condition is jaundice. While jaundice may be concerning, it is important to understand that there is a significant difference between jaundice and liver cancer. Jaundice typically occurs due to liver damage caused by various factors, including acute or chronic liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or liver failure.

Liver cancer, particularly in its advanced stages, may lead to jaundice due to severe liver damage or liver failure. However, it's important to note that jaundice and liver cancer are not directly correlated. The most common causes of yellowing of the eyes—often referred to as jaundice—are various types of hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, and E, which can lead to either acute or chronic liver inflammation.

Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to alcoholic liver disease, which may progress to chronic liver failure and result in jaundice. In severe cases, this condition can be life-threatening. Additionally, certain autoimmune liver diseases can impair liver function over time, eventually leading to chronic liver failure and yellowing of the eyes.

Another potential cause of jaundice is bile duct obstruction, where the bile duct becomes blocked due to gallstones or tumors, preventing bile from draining properly. This blockage can also cause the eyes to turn yellow. It's important to emphasize that all of these conditions are distinct from liver cancer and should be evaluated separately by a healthcare professional.