Early detection helpsliver cancer in treating it and lowering the risk of the disease getting worse. Early signs might come from liver damage and include yellow skin, pain on the right side of the belly or shoulder, or a lump in the upper belly.
This article will explain the detailed symptoms of liver cancer.
Detailed symptoms of liver cancer
Liver cancer usually has few signs or symptoms early on. Because of this, it's often diagnosed late unless the tumor forms near the bile duct causing an early blockage.
Primary liver cancer starts directly in the liver cells. This is different from liver metastases, which is cancer that starts elsewhere in the body and then spreads to the liver.
Primary liver cancer that starts in the liver usually causes earlier symptoms than metastatic liver cancer.
Symptoms of liver cancer include:
1. A lump in the belly
The patient might feel a very small lump or swelling below the ribs on the right side. Often, this lump is not painful, but if there is pain, the patient might feel more discomfort around the lump.
Also, sometimes liver cancer causes the spleen to enlarge, which can cause pain or a lump on the upper left side of the belly.
2. Pain on the right side of the belly
Pain or discomfort might happen on the right side just under the ribs from the liver tumor pressing on nearby structures or nerves. You can take a deep breath and gently press up below the ribs on the right side, roughly where the liver is. If the liver is enlarged, you might feel its edge in the lower belly.
3. Pain in the right shoulder
Shoulder pain can be a tricky sign of liver cancer. The tumor can irritate nerves that tell the brain the pain comes from the shoulder blade, while it really comes from the liver.
This pain usually happens in the right shoulder but can happen on either side. It can also spread to the back. So if you feel this pain, especially without doing anything active, you should see a healthcare provider.
4. Jaundice or Yellowing
Jaundice means the skin and the white part of the eye turn yellow. This happens because bile salts build up in the skin. You can spot jaundice easily in natural light, like outside, more than inside light.
Besides yellowing skin, some people may notice their bowel movements look pale and white instead of brown. At the same time, their urine may look darker than usual even if they’re not dehydrated.
5. Itching
Bile salt buildup in the skin doesn’t just cause jaundice. It also causes itching. Many people don’t think itching is serious, but liver-related itching can be very intense.
6. Swelling and Shortness of Breath
Fluid buildup in the liver, called ascites, can be a sign of liver cancer. At first, the patient might feel bloated. Some people notice their clothes don't fit right around their waist or their belt size changes even though they haven't gained weight.
Over time, fluid in the belly can push the lungs up, causing shortness of breath.
7. Unexplained weight loss or gain
The first sign of liver cancer might be losing weight without a clear reason. This isn't linked to diet or exercise changes. Unexplained weight loss means losing 5% or more of your body weight in 6 to 12 months without trying, and it’s worth seeing a doctor.
Also, sudden, unexpected weight gain can be a sign of liver cancer. This usually happens because of fast fluid buildup in the belly (ascites).
8. Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite can happen with many issues but can be very bad with liver problems. You might feel full quickly even after small meals. Since these signs could warn not just liver cancer but other cancers too, it’s important to see a doctor.
9. Nausea and vomiting
There are several reasons why liver cancer causes nausea and vomiting. It's a common symptom at all stages of the disease. Many causes can trigger nausea and vomiting, but if it happens often or gets worse, talk to a healthcare provider.
10. Fatigue and Weakness
Cancer fatigue is different from normal tiredness. It doesn't get better with good sleep. Sometimes you notice it more by looking back at the last 6 to 12 months and comparing your energy now to before.
11. Persistent Fever
Low grade but ongoing fever, called Fever of unknown origin, is a common symptom of liver cancer. It lasts for 3 weeks or more.
There are many other possible causes for ongoing fever, but it's still a good reason to see a healthcare provider to find out the cause.
12. General Feeling of Being Unwell
It's hard to say a gut feeling is a serious symptom, but people often sense when something is off in their body. So if someone just feels generally unwell, they should check with their healthcare provider for advice.
More symptoms of liver cancer
Besides the symptoms mentioned earlier, there are also symptoms caused by hormones from the liver tumor. Some liver cancers release hormones that interact with drugs or other body systems. This can cause extra symptoms.
Symptoms from liver cancer hormones include:-
1. High cholesterol level in the blood
Some studies say cholesterol levels in your diet might increase liver cancer risk, especially with liver cancers linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Liver cancer can also cause changes in how fats, like cholesterol, are made and used in the body.
2. Low blood sugar level
Liver cancer can cause blood sugar levels to drop, which may lead to symptoms like irregular heartbeat, facial numbness, dizziness, fainting, and feeling tired.
Also, the liver plays a key role in keeping blood sugar levels stable. Dysfunction can happen due to cancer or liver cancer-related conditions.
3. Male breast enlargement (Gynecomastia)
Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, is common in people with liver diseases like cirrhosis. Liver tumors can release an enzyme called aromatase that also contributes to gynecomastia.
4. High red blood cell count
There are several possible reasons for high red blood cell counts in liver cancer and other types. Studies showed low blood oxygen might contribute. Other studies say cancer treatments may cause red blood cells to increase.
5. High calcium levels in the blood
For people diagnosed with cancer, high calcium in the blood is common. It happens in 20% to 30% of cases.
Complications of liver cancer
Liver cancer can cause several complications. These may come from the tumor pressing on the bile duct or other organs, hormones made by the cancer cells, or liver problems that lead to toxin buildup in the body.
Some possible complications of liver cancer include:
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Anemia.
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Blockage of the bile ducts.
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Bleeding when brushing teeth or nose.
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High portal blood pressure.
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Hepatorenal syndrome.
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Hepatic encephalopathy.
In the end, if any of the above symptoms appear, you should see a healthcare provider immediately to get the right diagnosis. Early detection of liver cancer helps treat it.
