While the symptoms of liver cancer are hard to detect initially, it is difficult to treat as it progresses
Liver cancer is among the fastest-growing cancers, which usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages. According to doctors, when it has symptoms, they vary from person to person.
Liver cancer happens when cancer cells form in the tissues of your liver, which includes hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC, along with other types like bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, and rarer cancers like fibrolamellar carcinoma. While the symptoms of liver cancer are hard to detect initially, it is difficult to treat as it progresses. However, there are some signs you should watch out for.
Unexplained weight loss
Doctors say if you have been losing weight without trying, it could be an early symptom of liver cancer. While it is a subtle sign - often occurring alongside other symptoms like loss of appetite, fatigue, and abdominal pain—weight loss should not be taken lightly.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is a sign of liver cancer, especially as the disease progresses. It can also be related to other liver issues, so you can only get a clear picture once consulted with a doctor. According to experts, loss of appetite usually happens due to a growing tumour which leads to discomfort and pain, affecting your desire to eat.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common causes of liver cancer. It may lead to you feeling constantly sick. Experts say it happens usually because the liver’s reduced function affects your digestive system. If nausea or vomiting lasts for a long time, it is important to get it checked by a doctor.
Fatigue
Extreme tiredness or fatigue is a common side effect of liver cancer and its treatment. Confusion may also occur, but this is a rare side effect. Doctors say your body may use a lot of energy trying to fight cancer, which can leave you drained. This fatigue is different from normal tiredness and tends to persist.
Jaundice
Jaundice or yellowing of your skin is also an early sign of liver cancer. It happens when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Liver cancer impairs your liver's ability to process bilirubin, causing jaundice.
Swelling
Swelling, especially in your stomach, can be an early sign of liver cancer. It can be caused by two main factors: the liver itself becoming enlarged due to growing cancer, leading to localised swelling on the right side of the abdomen, or by the buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity, known as ascites, due to the liver's congestion.
Other signs of liver cancer
A few other early signs of liver cancer include:
- Itchy skin even when not dry
- Frequent high fever
- Enlarged veins visible on the belly
- Easy bruising or bleeding
What causes liver cancer?
Doctors say liver cancer happens when something affects healthy liver cells’ DNA, which carries the genes that tell our cells how to function. Tumour suppressor genes keep cells from multiplying uncontrollably, also making sure cells die when they are supposed to die.
When our DNA mutates or changes, our cells get new instructions. Certain medical conditions and other issues can affect your liver’s DNA and increase your risk of developing liver cancer. A few risk factors include:
- Heavy drinking
-
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
- Obesity and weight gain
- Type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
