Here are 9 early signs of liver cancer that you need to be aware of for early disease screening.
Top 9 Warning Signs of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is the third most common cancer in our country. Although there is currently no complete treatment method, early detection of the disease can help extend the patient’s lifespan.
Early detection of liver cancer helps patients extend their lifespan. (Image: Shutterstock).
Below are 9 early signs of liver cancer that are easily confused with other medical conditions, which you need to pay attention to for early disease screening.
Jaundice
Jaundice, whether in the skin or eyes, is a clinical manifestation of decreased liver function and is also an early sign of liver cancer.
The cause of this condition is impaired liver function, leading to the accumulation of bilirubin in the body, resulting in yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. If this symptom appears, patients should seek medical examination immediately to determine the cause.
Frequent pain in the epigastric region
The epigastric region is located above the navel and below the xiphoid process. Pain in this area can be dull or sharp, radiating to the back.
Pain in the epigastric region is often a sign of common conditions like mild digestive disorders. However, it can also indicate liver cancer. The pressure from the growing cancer cells in the liver can cause patients to frequently feel pain in this area.
Some early signs of liver cancer can be confused with other medical conditions. (Image: Ipiccyimage).
Loss of appetite, fatigue, continuous weight loss
The liver is closely related to the digestive process, so symptoms of liver disease are often reflected through changes in the digestive system.
Feeling a loss of appetite, fullness, aversion to oily foods, and persistent fatigue leading to continuous weight loss is one of the signs that liver function is declining. This is also an important warning sign of early-stage liver cancer.
Mass or lump in the abdomen
Liver tumors or liver cancer can grow to a very large size by the time of diagnosis. Patients may be able to feel a tumor or lump in the right upper quadrant when lying flat.
Itching
When the bile duct is obstructed or due to cholestasis on the background of chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, bile acids produced by the liver can enter the bloodstream, causing generalized itching. In some patients, itching can be severe and unresponsive to any medication.
Pain in the right shoulder
A liver tumor pressing against the right diaphragm can cause pain in the right shoulder. Anything that irritates the right diaphragm can cause right shoulder pain, such as infections, inflammation, abscesses, trauma, and liver tumors.
To determine whether you have liver cancer, you need to see a doctor for necessary examinations to get an accurate diagnosis.
Shortness of breath
Liver cancer can cause shortness of breath by restricting the movement of the diaphragm when it reaches a large size. Right lobe liver cancer can also irritate the diaphragm by causing inflammation or local irritation, leading to pleural effusion and shortness of breath.
Dark-colored urine
An increase in bilirubin levels in the blood can change the color of urine from dark yellow to brown. If you’re not taking any medications and notice such a color change in your urine, you need to monitor further and seek medical examination soon. This could indicate a urinary tract infection or, more seriously, an early sign of liver cancer.
Appearance of numerous spots on the skin
Acne during puberty is a normal phenomenon of the body. However, excessive acne in adults is often caused by hormonal imbalances, making it harder to distinguish from liver-related conditions like liver cancer.
When liver cancer cells form, the liver’s ability to detoxify is reduced, leading to increased accumulation of toxins and a higher appearance of acne on the face, which can even cause hormonal imbalances.
