Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for diagnosing hepatic cancer by analysing a sample and determining the level of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycine, trimethylamine-N-oxide, hippurate and citrate and comparing the levels in the sample with control levels. The analysis of the sample can involve the determination of a profile for the sample. The methods disclosed are useful in distinguishing between a patient having hepatic cancer and a patient having cirrhosis.