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10 warning signs of liver cancer

10 warning signs of liver cancer

Liver cancer is a rare yet serious condition. Each year, around 800,000 people in the world are diagnosed with this condition. Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver and is characterized by a few recognizable signs and symptoms. Understanding these warning signs of liver cancer is crucial, as it allows individuals and healthcare professionals to take prompt action. So, below are a few early signs of liver cancer.

Loss of appetite
One of the most common and early signs of liver cancer is loss of appetite. If a person finds themselves constantly uninterested in eating despite not having eaten anything in hours, it is a serious cause of concern. They may even find themselves feeling full after consuming a very small amount of food. If this is happening persistently, the person must consult a healthcare professional at the earliest.

Upper abdominal pain
Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially on the upper right side, can also be a warning sign of liver cancer. This pain can range from mild to severe and may be persistent. It is essential not to dismiss or neglect such persistent upper abdominal pain.

Abdominal swelling
Another warning sign of liver cancer is abdominal swelling. This occurs due to fluid retention and accumulation in the abdominal cavity, which further causes bloating and abdominal discomfort. If one notices persistent abdominal swelling and discomfort, it is advised to get a health evaluation.

A lump under the ribs
One of the most common warning signs of liver cancer is that the person may feel a lump or a mass under their ribs on the right side. This could occur because of the enlarging of the liver, called hepatomegaly, or an enlarged tumor pressing against surrounding tissues. 

Jaundice
Liver cancer can also be characterized by jaundice. It is the noticeable yellowing of the skin and the white area of the eyes. Jaundice is an extremely serious warning sign that may indicate liver cancer or some other serious liver ailment. It occurs when the liver cannot process bilirubin, a waste product resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells. In cases of liver cancer, the tumor can obstruct the bile ducts, hindering the flow of bile and bilirubin and leading to jaundice. Either way, the person showing this visible sign needs to consult a professional urgently.

Weakness and fatigue
Persistent and unexplained weakness and fatigue that do not improve with rest can be a concerning sign of many ailments, including liver cancer. Affected persons may find themselves unusually tired or fatigued for an extended period without an apparent cause. This sign could also be the result of certain treatments of underlying conditions.

Change in the color of stool and urine
Liver cancer can cause changes in the color of both urine and stool. The urine of a person can get darkened when the liver is unable to function properly. They may also notice that their stools are pale or chalky white, which is also a sign of the liver not functioning properly.

Nausea and vomiting
If a person notices persistent nausea and vomiting, accompanied by a loss of appetite, it can be an indication of liver cancer. These symptoms may result from the liver’s reduced ability to process toxins and waste products, leading to an accumulation of substances that trigger nausea. Nausea may be mild or severe, intermittent or constant, and may worsen over time if not attended in time. This can also lead to vomiting, which can further cause dehydration. While these symptoms can have various causes, they should not be disregarded, especially when occurring along with other warning signs of liver cancer.

Frequent bleeding
One of the liver’s functions is to secrete the proteins that aid in blood clotting and healing wounds. So, due to liver cancer, a person might notice that this function is disrupted, and consequently, they are bleeding frequently from the wounds. They might also notice that they bruise easily.

Pain in the right shoulder blade
Persistent pain in the right shoulder may seem like an unrelated symptom. However, it does have a connection to liver cancer and can be a warning sign for it. The liver’s surface is connected to the diaphragm and shares nerve pathways with the shoulder. As a result, when a liver tumor grows and presses against the diaphragm or irritates nearby nerves, it can cause pain in the right shoulder.

Other general symptoms of liver cancer may include persistent fever (of unknown origin), persistent itching (which also occurs due to hindrance in the flow of bile), shortness of breath (which can occur due to bloating and fluid retention), and a general feeling of being unwell.

It is important to understand that a lot of these symptoms and signs can also show up due to other liver ailments and conditions, such as cirrhosis. However, in either case, the symptoms need to be taken seriously and require immediate medical attention.

Complications due to liver cancer
Some liver tumors may secrete hormones that may cause further complications, which are not necessarily related to the liver. These include:

  • High blood calcium levels can then cause extreme thirst, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, frequent urination, and constipation.
  • High cholesterol levels can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.
  • Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can cause fatigue, fainting, irregular heartbeat, and numbness in the face.
  • High counts of red blood cells can cause high blood pressure, blurred vision, dizziness, and nosebleeds.

Awareness of the warning signs of liver cancer is essential for early detection and timely health intervention, which can also prevent further complications. Liver cancer is a serious condition, and early diagnosis can significantly impact the effectiveness of treatment. If left unattended, the symptoms might progress and worsen over time.

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