Extensive cancer cell growth within the liver can irreparably damage this vital organ. Sadly, nearly 20,000 patients with liver carcinoma, or cancer, died from this condition in 2009, according to the National Cancer Institute. Patients who develop the end stage symptoms of liver carcinoma should talk with a doctor about liver transplant options.
Jaundice
In healthy patients, the liver produces bilirubin, a yellow-colored digestive enzyme that helps break down food products in the body. Extensive liver damage caused by end stage liver carcinoma can prevent this organ from functioning normally. As a result, bilirubin can abnormally accumulate in the body's tissues, causing the skin and eyes to appear yellowish in color. This yellow skin discoloration is called jaundice and can recur or persist in patients with end stage liver carcinoma, explain health experts at MayoClinic.com.
Stomach Upset
The liver is a large organ located within the abdominal cavity. Degradation of this organ caused by cancer cell growth can cause inflammation and irritation to the liver and surrounding organs. As a result, patients with end stage liver carcinoma can experience severe stomach upset symptoms due to this condition. Affected patients can experience significant stomach pain, which typically localizes to the upper right side of the abdomen, explain health professionals with the Greenbaum Cancer Center at the University of Maryland. Additional stomach upset symptoms can include persistent nausea, vomiting or appetite loss, which can contribute to unintended weight loss in certain patients. The abdominal region can also appear swollen due to fluid accumulation--a symptom called ascites, report American Cancer Society (ACS) health experts.
Dry, Itchy Skin
If the liver is unable to function normally due to end stage carcinoma, toxic waste products within the blood can accumulate in the body. When this occurs, patients with end stage liver carcinoma can develop dry, severely itchy skin as a symptom of this disease, reports the ACS. Frequently scratching the affected skin region can increase a patient's risk of developing recurrent skin infections.
Flu like Symptoms
Flu like symptoms, such as severe fatigue or fever, can occur in end stage liver carcinoma patients, explain medical professionals with the ACS. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a patient's ability to move about normally or participate in usual daily activities.
Enlarged Veins, Liver or Spleen
Patients with end stage liver carcinoma can develop abnormally enlarged veins throughout the body. If this occurs, affected patients can experience gastrointestinal bleeding, a symptom referred to as esophageal varices, according to MayoClinic.com. End stage liver carcinoma can also result in liver or spleen enlargement. Affected patients may be able to feel a solid mass or lump beneath the rib cage along the right side of the body, explains the ACS. These end stage symptoms of liver carcinoma can be uncomfortable and typically occur in conjunction with jaundice, stomach upset, dry skin and flu like symptoms.
