Liver cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops in the liver. It can be primary, originating in the liver, or secondary, meaning it has spread from elsewhere in the body to the liver. The most common type of primary liver cancer in adults is Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). However, some early signs of liver cancer might not be too noticeable, hence one must pay attention to these 5 signs…
Weight loss
Weight loss without diet changes, along with loss of appetite, can be initial warning signs of liver cancer. Your stomach will feel full right after eating a minimal amount of food. A growing tumor interferes with your digestive system and metabolic processes, to produce this effect. Because of this, you will lose weight rapidly, even without making any effort.
Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
The early stages of liver cancer often produce pain or discomfort, which manifests within the liver’s upper right abdominal area. People with liver cancer may experience pain that radiates from the upper right abdomen, to their right shoulder or back. This happens because liver nerves extend to these areas.You must seek medical attention for persistent abdominal pain, which either appears suddenly, or intensifies over time. A growing tumor in the liver causes the pain by compressing the liver capsule together with its neighboring organs.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a medical condition which causes skin and eye whites to turn yellow. This occurs because the liver fails to process bilirubin properly, which leads to its accumulation in the bloodstream, resulting in yellow skin discoloration. The first stages of liver cancer result in blocked bile ducts that produce bilirubin buildup, which results in yellowing of the body.
Jaundice symptoms include skin itching as well as dark urine and pale stools in addition to the yellow discoloration. Medical attention should be sought immediately whenever you detect even the slightest yellow coloration. However, please note that jaundice can occur even without cancer, and is fully treatable with (usually) no long-term effects.
Fatigue and general weakness
Another sign of liver cancer appears as unexplained persistent tiredness which happens during normal daily activities. When the condition interferes with blood cleansing and protein production, it creates toxic accumulation which leads to body fatigue.Most people experience unexplained weakness and illness before other symptoms appear. Fatigue that persists without explanation, requires discussion with your doctor, though this can also occur due to many other factors.
Swelling of the abdomen or fluid buildup
Early liver cancer sometimes causes fluid accumulation in the abdomen, which results in visible swelling. The accumulation of fluid in the belly region known as ascites occurs, because tumors cause liver damage or blockages that prevent fluid balance regulation.The enlarged abdomen will make your clothes fit tighter and your belly will appear larger. Fluid accumulation also occurs in your legs and feet. Consult a doctor immediately whenever you observe any form of swelling in these areas.References:American Cancer Society: Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer cancer.orgCancer Research UK: Symptoms of Liver Cancer cancerresearchuk.orgNHS: Liver Cancer Symptoms nhs.ukCancer Council Australia: Liver Cancer Symptoms cancer.org.auCanadian Cancer Society: Symptoms of Liver Cancer cancer.caCancer Center: Symptoms of Liver Cancer cancercenter.comMayo Clinic: Liver Cancer Symptoms and Causes mayoclinic.orgMD Anderson Cancer Center: Liver Cancer Symptoms & Signs mdanderson.orgDisclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice