Early Signs of Liver Cancer: What to Watch Out For

Liver cancer is a type of carcinoma that develops in the liver. This is one of the most common types of cancer nowadays. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, liver cancer is the 6th most common cancer worldwide, affecting both genders.

In the early stages of liver cancer, the signs often go unnoticed, like sudden weight loss, abdominal pain, and much more. However, early diagnosis can make the condition curable.

In this blog, we are going to learn more about the early signs of liver cancer, its diagnosis, and much more.

What is liver cancer and its types?

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the liver cells. The liver is located under the rib cage, on the right side of the abdomen, and it helps digest food and excrete waste.

1. Hepatocellular carcinoma – a common type of cancer in the liver; it forms in the hepatocyte (liver cell)
2. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma are other types of liver cancer

Liver cancer causes

Some of the common causes of liver cancer are: -

1. Infection due to hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Overconsumption of alcohol
4. Cirrhosis
5. Certain diseases like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease
6. Fatty liver

Signs and symptoms of liver cancer

In the early stage of liver cancer, some signs and symptoms might go unnoticed as compared to the other types of cancer. Unless the cancer has progressed to the advanced stage, a person may not know more about it.

Here is a list of some of the common signs and symptoms of liver cancer that one should not ignore :

1. Rapid weight loss even without trying
2. Pain in the upper side of the abdomen
3. Extreme weakness
4. Pale and yellowish skin (jaundice)
5. Swelling in the abdominal area
6. The feeling of nausea
7. Enlarged liver and spleen, and constant pain in the surrounding area
8. Changes in the urine and stool colour

How can you prevent yourself from the risk of developing liver cancer?

Liver cancer is a deadly and life-threatening disease, but you can protect yourself with proper treatment and early detection.

1. Get vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus. While there is no vaccine for the hepatitis C virus, you can take precautions like avoiding intravenous drugs, using needles when getting tattoos or piercings, having unprotected sex, etc
2. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise
3. Avoid too much alcohol
4. Get regular screenings and tests as suggested by your doctor

If you experience any signs and symptoms of liver cancer, you can consult your doctor to know more about the disease and for any information related to the tests, and you can visit Apollo Diagnostics for further information.

FAQs

1. Can liver cancer be detected by a blood test?

You can not diagnose liver cancer just by a test alone, but it can indicate the type of liver cancer or any other abnormalities in your liver.

2. Can we donate a liver?

Yes, in a surgical procedure, a portion of a healthy person's liver is put in a person whose liver is not working. The donor’s liver regrows in real size and capacity within a few months.

3. Can you live without a liver?

No, a person cannot live without a liver; he/she may need a liver transplant in case of a serious liver disease or liver failure.

4. What foods prevent liver cancer?

Foods like legumes, lentils, beans and chickpeas are a great source of fibre and help in the reduction of liver cancer.