Liver cancer is a dangerous disease with various symptoms. Therefore, doctors should look at early signs of such diseases before they get out of hand. They include unexplained loss of weight, lack of appetite, and stomach pain, particularly on the right side of the abdomen. A person may also feel nauseous, nauseated, or bloated despite eating very little. Another sign is that the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow, a disease known as jaundice.
According to the blog “Liver Cancer Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention,” when someone experiences these symptoms, they should consult a doctor for assistance and follow-ups. Initially, acting is always better than waiting for more extended action.
Understanding Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is an oncologic ailment that starts from places other than the liver, making it attractive, to say the least, since the liver is one of the most valuable organs of our body. Liver cancer usually starts as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common and quickly develops and infiltrates other tissues. Liver cancer can be brought on by several contributing factors, such as chronic liver diseases related to viral damage, such as hepatitis b and, in some instances, hepatitis c, cirrhosis of the liver, or chronic alcohol abuse.
The liver is quite a resilient organ, with a lot of work, bile production for digestion, and the initiation of energy metabolism. Nevertheless, in the case of primary liver cancer, the liver will have difficulties livening. Responding to the latter stage of symptoms may help physicians better anticipate the possible treatment outcomes for the disease.
Common Symptoms of Liver Cancer
- Abdominal Pain: Among all the complaints, abdominal pain warrants the most attention among patients. For instance, the upper right quadrant of the abdomen is painful, where the liver is situated, which is one of the prime pain areas. It sometimes presents as an ache or a sharp pricking sensation so that it can radiate to the back region or the shoulder. Pain is generally a real nuisance and progresses in intensity. If it is chronic, they need to see a physician.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: The other vital sign is weight loss more than one seeks. To clarify, a person does not lose weight due to any effective effort, such as diet or exercise. Consulting with the doctor would be advisable, but there are instances when the individual has lost more than five percent in 6 months and did not actively follow any eating plan that fixes the weight.
- Jaundice: Jaundice is one condition that the nurses may be observant of, seen in cases where the patient has a yellowish color of the skin and the eyes. This affects the biological process within the human body and primarily prevents the liver from functioning properly. Often, patients suffering from jaundice may also observe that their stools are pale in color while their urine is considerably dark in color.
- Feeling Fatigued and Weak: Most patients with chronic liver problems feel weak and fatigued. Fatigue is not relieved even upon resting. Individuals experiencing some form of liver dysfunction have often reported chronic lethargy and, in turn, being unable to perform most of their daily chores. If this issue is strongly present within an individual, they must contact an adult and their doctor as soon as possible.
- Fluid Retention (Ascites): In the final stages of liver cancer disease, cancerous ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, also called ascites) are evident. Excessive fluid in the peritoneal sac causes abdominal swelling. Patients with ascites, however, are described with the symptoms of fullness and abdominal pressure, which confines their movement within the physical environment.
- Loss of Appetite: Changes in appetite are another sign that a person may have liver cancer. They mean that the affected individual may not desire to consume food at all, even after periods of not eating. Other patients may just take a little food, feel satisfied, and not consume more, which will lead to malnutrition and significant weight loss.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Certain people also experience nausea and vomiting after meals. This is because substances from the liver are not produced in sufficient quantities to maintain proper digestion of food. Other signs, such as abdominal temperature changes, nausea, and anorexia, can accompany the sensations. If someone observes such signs, he/she should take appropriate measures and consult a physician.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible if one observes general weakness, weight loss of unclear cause, jaundice, or abdominal pain. Physicians will be better able to treat liver cancer the earlier it is discovered.
You can do the following to help you in this regard:
- Fix a Doctor’s Appointment: Listen to your internal voice, and if you feel something is wrong, approach your doctor. Tell him tactfully about all the symptoms you are facing.
- Request Some Investigations: The doctor will order routine tests, including liver function tests and imaging, such as an abdominal ultrasound, to visualize the liver effectively.
- Remember the Symptoms: Note your symptoms and how they change over time, and inform the doctor about them. This might help them see the overall picture more clearly.
Conclusion
Cancer of the liver is not a manageable disease, and its manifestations may, in some cases, be confusing or relate to other problems. Some of the recurrent symptoms include weight loss without trying to diet, extreme fatigue, and abdomen pains. Nausea and vomiting, as well as jaundice, may also develop. If the reader or someone nearby has these challenges, it would be wise to consult a physician immediately. Since such signs may indicate liver cancer disease, it becomes essential to know how early such signs can be detected because this will further improve the treatment of the disease.
Sources:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/liver-cancer/symptoms
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9418-liver-cancer
https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/private-care/news-and-blogs/liver-cancer-symptoms-and-causes
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/symptoms/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/liver-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/liver-cancer
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/liver-cancer/symptoms