Liver Problems (Hepatotoxicity)
Liver damage caused by chemicals (such as those in some breast cancer medicines) is called hepatotoxicity. Liver damage is serious but treatable.
Updated on October 19, 2024
Located in your upper abdomen, your liver has many jobs, including turning food into energy and filtering toxins from your body. Your liver makes bile, a compound that helps with digestion. When liver damage is caused by chemicals (such as those in some breast cancer medicines), it's called hepatotoxicity. Liver damage is serious but treatable.
Signs of liver problems may include:
swelling or pain in the abdomen
a yellow tint in the eyes or skin (jaundice)
light-colored stool
swollen legs, feet, or ankles
feeling bloated
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of liver problems.
Some treatments for breast cancer can affect how your liver functions:
some targeted therapies:
some immunotherapy medicines:
Was this article helpful?
Join in the conversation about Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
Connect with a supportive community of people discussing thousands of topics in hundreds of forums on our discussion boards. Our community welcomes anyone and everyone diagnosed with breast cancer, concerned about a breast condition, or caring for a loved one affected by breast cancer.
Learn more