HEALTHNUTRITION

10 Early Signs of Liver Cancer You Must Pay Attention To

Some signs of liver cancer often manifest when the liver is damaged, but they are easy to confuse with other common illnesses. As a result, many people neglect to seek medical attention, allowing the disease to progress.
Liver cancer is no longer a rare disease. It develops silently, often only being detected at a severe stage with high danger. Therefore, recognizing the early signs of liver cancer is crucial for timely detection and treatment when the body shows abnormal symptoms.

Here are 10 early signs of liver cancer you must not overlook:

1. Unexplained Weight Changes

Unexpected weight loss, despite not following a diet or exercise regimen, is a warning sign of many illnesses, including early-stage liver cancer. Weight loss becomes more severe as the disease progresses due to impaired liver metabolism caused by cancer cells. Typically, the patient may lose about 5% of their body weight within 1 to 3 months, accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, exhaustion, and physical decline.

Unexplained Weight Changes early signs of liver cancer

2. Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)

Jaundice is the most noticeable and recognizable symptom among the early signs of liver cancer. Patients with liver cancer experience reduced liver function, which impairs the processing of bilirubin, leading to an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood and causing yellowing of the skin and eyes. However, not all liver cancer patients experience jaundice, as this symptom often occurs if a tumor obstructs the main bile duct or invades this area, disrupting bile secretion.

3. Dark Urine

Dark-colored urine can be a symptom in liver cancer patients, but it can also result from other factors such as medication side effects or diet. However, in these other cases, the discoloration is typically temporary. If dark urine persists, it may be due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood caused by a tumor in the liver.

Close up of male’s hand holding container with urine sample isolated over dark background

4. Loss of Appetite and Digestive Disorders

The liver plays a crucial role in nutrient metabolism in the digestive system. When a tumor is present, it can cause eating and digestive disorders. The most noticeable symptoms include a lack of appetite, feeling full quickly, bloating, eating less, and a lack of interest in favorite foods. This can be due to metabolic changes or the tumor pressing on the digestive tract.

5. Pain in the Liver Area

A tumor pressing on the liver capsule can cause pain in the lower right abdomen, where the liver is located. In the early stages of liver cancer, the pain may not be constant and may feel like muscle strain from physical activity or only occur when pressing on the liver area. However, if you experience pain in the liver area, you should not ignore it and seek medical attention promptly.

The photo of liver on woman’s body against gray background, Hepatitis, Concept with healthcare and medicine.

6. Epigastric Pain

Epigastric pain is common in early-stage liver cancer patients but can easily be mistaken for digestive issues like stomach pain or indigestion. The pain is located just below the middle of the sternum and above the navel. Initially, the pain may be dull and gradually intensify, becoming severe or radiating to the back. Persistent and worsening pain can be a sign of liver cancer, caused by malignant cells increasing pressure on the liver or surrounding organs.

7. Itchy Skin or Acne

Itchy skin is often caused by bile duct obstruction or bile accumulation due to acids affecting circulation. This symptom can also occur in chronic cirrhosis patients but may also indicate early-stage liver cancer due to liver dysfunction. Besides generalized itching, acne, pustules, or cysts may appear on the face, back, buttocks, etc., indicating a decline in liver function and toxin accumulation in the blood.

8. Flu-Like Symptoms

Early-stage liver cancer patients may experience symptoms easily mistaken for flu, such as fever, fatigue, lethargy, and headaches. Usually, flu symptoms are short-lived and resolve on their own. However, in liver cancer patients, these symptoms may recur frequently and worsen, as the tumor affects liver function, the immune system, and the body’s resistance.

9. Appearance of a Tumor in the Abdomen

In early-stage liver cancer patients, a tumor is not easily detected visually but may be felt as an abnormal mass when pressing on the liver area. Detecting small tumors through palpation can be challenging. If you suspect liver cancer, you should consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

10.Right Shoulder Pain

Unexplained sharp pain in the right shoulder can also be a symptom of liver cancer. The nerves below the diaphragm can be compressed as liver cancer cells expand, causing pain in the right shoulder, as some nerves in this area connect to the right shoulder nerves.

Although liver cancer is dangerous, it is preventable. You should pay attention to unusual signs in your body and maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as regular liver detoxification. If you experience any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible for timely detection and treatment!

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