The liver is an organ in the body that aids in digestion and is responsible for filtering waste from the blood. Liver cancer is a disease in which the cells in the liver grow in an abnormal and unregulated way. In 2009, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimated that approximately 22,600 people in the United States were diagnosed with either liver cancer or intrahepatic bile duct cancer, which starts in the liver's bile ducts. People with liver cancer can experience a number of related effects.
Abdominal Pain
As liver cancer progresses, cancer cells grow and multiply rapidly within the liver tissue. If this occurs, the liver may become swollen or inflamed due to these cancerous cells. Swelling and inflammation can cause you to experience mild to serve abdominal pain---especially in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen, which is where the liver is situated within the body. If you press on your abdomen, you may be able to feel a lump within the upper abdomen caused by inflammation of your liver. If you experience prolonged abdominal pain, speak with your doctor for further evaluation.
Weight Loss
Some people with liver cancer can experience weight loss as an effect of this disease. Cancer may cause you to lose your appetite, which causes weight loss to occur. Significant or unexplained weight loss should be discussed with your doctor, as it may indicate the presence of an infection or disease.
Jaundice
A healthy liver produces bilirubin, a body fluid that aids in digestion and the formation of bile. If you have liver cancer, bilirubin might begin to accumulate in your body, causing you to develop jaundice. Jaundice is a medical condition that results in the yellowing of the skin and eyes with excretion of dark urine or pale stools. If you develop jaundice, consult your doctor right away.
Fatigue or Weakness
Liver cancer may cause you to feel extremely weak or tired throughout the day. You might find that you need to take several naps during the day or that it is difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Fatigue and muscle aches could also develop, which may interfere with your ability to complete normal tasks such as folding laundry or lifting your child. If you experience abnormal fatigue that is not alleviated by restorative sleep, discuss this symptom with your doctor.
Stomach Upset
Some people with liver cancer may experience stomach upset as an effect of this condition. Symptoms of stomach upset include bloating, nausea or vomiting. Constant stomach pain or feeling abnormally full after a snack or light meal could also occur as an effect of liver cancer.
