The liver contains billions of specialized cells, called hepatocytes, that work together to process chemicals and detoxify the body. Liver cancer, called hepatocellular carcinoma, develops when hepatocytes begin to proliferate uncontrollably, giving rise to unlimited cells to form a tumor. In its end stages, liver cancer cells gain the ability to migrate throughout the body and form secondary tumors in distant organs. Final stage liver cancer symptoms develop as a result of advanced cancer growth, often leading to multiple organ failure and death.
Jaundice
A common symptom of advanced stage liver cancer is jaundice--a yellowing of the mucous membranes including the whites of the eyes and the lining of the mouth, along with the skin, according to MedLine Plus. Jaundice indicates liver blockages and shutdown that occur in late-stage liver cancer. Normally, the liver and gallbladder produce chemicals called bile salts, which aid in the digestion and breakdown of nutrients in food. In liver cancer, the bile ducts become blocked with cancer cells and the bile salts seep into the blood. As the bile chemicals circulate into tissues throughout the body, they appear yellow and account for skin discoloration.
Decreased Lung Capacity
Another possible symptom of end-stage liver cancer is decreased lung capacity. Advanced liver cancer cells have the ability to metastasize--they can enter the blood or lymph vessels and travel throughout the body. Commonly, liver cancer cells colonize within lung tissue to form secondary tumors, according to the National Cancer Institute. This cancer growth disrupts the normal structure of the lung and decreases air capacity of the lungs. As a result, patients with advanced liver cancer may suffer from shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, along with light-headedness associated with a decrease in oxygen transfer in the lungs. In extreme cases, liver cancer patients may undergo surgery or radiation therapy to target liver cancer growths in the lungs and increase lung functioning.
Bone Pain
Liver cancer also commonly metastasizes to bone tissue throughout the body, leading to the development of bone-related symptoms in advanced liver cancer patients. Liver cancer patients commonly suffer from bone pain as a result of cancer metastasis. The pain may be a sharp stabbing pain in response to specific movements or may present as a radiating ache in one or more joints in the body. Liver cancer patients suffering extreme bone pain may undergo surgery to remove clusters of liver cancer growths to alleviate the pain associated with liver cancer growth and increase the patient's quality of life.
