Liver Cancer Symptoms

When we are occupied with work, family and life in general, it may be easy to overlook abnormalities that are happening within our body. We may write them off as unimportant, thinking that they’ll go away on their own. Sometimes they do, but do they always? And when we finally admit to ourselves that something isn’t right, it may already be too late. Liver cancer, in its early stages, does not present obvious symptoms, if any at all. By the time symptoms do appear, the cancer may have already progressed to a later stage. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to be aware of the warning signs of liver cancer to detect it at the earliest stage possible for the best possible treatment outcomes.

Not everyone diagnosed with liver cancer has experienced symptoms. However, here are some of the common symptoms of liver cancer reported by those who have experienced symptoms:

• Unintended weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Upper abdominal pain (at the top right side of your tummy or in your right shoulder)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weakness and fatigue
• Abdominal swelling or bloating
• Pale, chalky stools
• A lump in the right side of your tummy
• Feeling of fullness after a small meal
• Itching skin
• Dark urine
• Swollen veins on the abdomen
• Abnormal bruising or bleeding
• Fever

Jaundice

Jaundice refers to the yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of your eyes. It is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that results from the breakdown of red blood cells. In normal circumstances, bilirubin is processed by the liver and passes through the bile ducts before being excreted. As such, an accumulation of bilirubin could indicate a problem or reduced functionality of the liver or bile ducts. The presence of jaundice may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

Having one or more of these symptoms may not necessarily indicate liver cancer, but persistent symptoms may be a sign of serious underlying conditions. If you are bothered by any of these symptoms, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional to be sure.

Sometimes, having liver cancer may not only impact the liver and its functions but also other organs as well. For example, some liver tumors make hormones that may cause:

• High blood calcium levels, which may cause nausea, weakness, muscle issues or constipation
• Low blood sugar levels, which may cause dizzy spells or fatigue
• High red blood cell count, which may cause redness or flushing in the face
• Breast enlargement
• Shrinkage of testicles in men
• High cholesterol levels

It can be overwhelming to process all the symptoms listed. If you do have any of these symptoms, it's natural to feel concerned, but remember that there could be other, less life-threatening reasons for them. Your best approach is to check with a healthcare professional. If you're feeling hesitant about going to the doctor because you're afraid of the outcome or the tests you might need to take, please know that seeking medical advice is really important. Your health and well-being matter the most, and it's necessary to consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Detecting and treating liver cancer early on is more effective than in later stages, so don't hesitate to take action for your own health.