Each year, over 20,000 people within the United States are diagnosed with liver cancer, according to estimates provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancerous cell growth that begins within the liver is called primary liver cancer. Though the early warning signs and symptoms of liver cancer can be difficult to detect, they should be discussed with a medical professional if they occur.
No Early Symptoms
During the early stage of liver cancer, many patients do not experience any noticeable symptoms. Certain risk factors, such as excessive alcohol use, obesity, or hepatitis B or C infection, can increase a patient's likelihood of developing liver cancer, reports the NCI. Patients who have questions or concerns regarding liver cancer should contact a doctor for further guidance, evaluation and care.
Abdominal Pain or Swelling
The liver is an organ located within the upper right portion of the abdomen and is responsible for producing certain enzymes involved in digestion, such as bile. Cancer cells can irritate and inflame the liver, which can cause this organ to swell. As a result, patients with liver cancer can experience mild abdominal pain or swelling within the abdomen as a symptom of this disease, explains the American Cancer Society. These early warning signs and symptoms of liver cancer may become progressively worse as this disease advances. Patients who experience constant abdominal pain should seek medical care from a physician as this symptom can be a sign of alternate health problems.
Stomach Upset
Patients with liver cancer can experience stomach upset as an early warning symptom of the disease. Affected patients may become unusually nauseous and can begin vomiting. These stomach upset symptoms can contribute to a decreased appetite in certain patients, which can lead to unintended weight loss.
Jaundice
Cancerous cells within the liver can interfere with this organ's normal function. As a result, bile may begin to accumulate within a patient's body. If this occurs, patients with liver cancer can develop an unusual yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, reports PDRHealth, a medical information website associated with the "Physicians' Desktop Reference." This skin discoloration is an early sign of liver cancer referred to as jaundice. Affected patients should seek medical care immediately as jaundice can lead to severe medical complications if left untreated.
Flu-like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms can arise as early symptoms of liver cancer in certain patients. Affected patients can develop fever, muscle weakness, excessive fatigue or decreased appetite, explain medical professionals with the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Fever symptoms can also contribute to headache, chills or sweating in affected patients. Flu-like symptoms can be signs of alternate infections and affected patients should consult a physician for further care.
References
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center: Liver Cancer - Signs and Symptoms
- American Cancer Society: How Is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
- National Cancer Institute: What You Need To Know About Liver Cancer
- National Cancer Institute: Liver Cancer - Risk Factors
- PDRHealth: Liver Cancer - What are the signs and symptoms of liver cancer?
