Hepatic or liver cancer, is the name given to cancer which originates in the liver of the human beings. It is important to note that the signs and symptoms of liver cancer do not appear in the earliest stages of the disease.
The presence of malignant growth in the liver gives rise to certain symptoms, which should not be ignored. The inside surface of the liver becomes the breeding ground for liver cancer, which presents itself through the following signs and symptoms.
Signs & Symptoms Of Liver Cancer
Unexplained Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite
If there is a loss of appetite for an uninterrupted period of over a few weeks or if there is a significant weight loss that cannot be attributed to any other reason, then the patient should undergo further diagnosis for malignancy or other complications in the liver.
In medical terms, “significant weight loss” is attributed to a reduction in weight of up to10 percent of the patient’s body weight. If there is any sudden drop in the body weight that cannot be explained by any other illness, dieting or exercising, then other reasons for the unexpected and unexplained weight loss should be discussed with a doctor instantly.
Feeling bloated or sick
One of the important symptoms of liver cancer is the bloating or swelling of the stomach and abdominal region even after consuming a small meal. This may or may not be accompanied by abdominal pain or discomfort in the tummy. Many patients complain or nausea and frequent vomiting tendencies as well.
The appearance of a yellowish pigmentation on the skin or the presence of symptoms related to jaundice should be diagnosed carefully. The persistence of the yellowish tinge along with a change in the colour of urine and paling of feces are other signs and symptoms of liver cancer.
As primary liver cancer originates and spreads in the cells of the liver, the bile duct also gets affected in the process. The darkening of urine color, pigmentation in the white area of the eye and the skin and the paling of fecal discharge, are all symptoms connected with the building up of bile in the bloodstream. These symptoms of jaundice should be further evaluated for liver cancer.
Itching, pain in the right shoulder, high fever and sweating
Though unusual, abnormal and sudden bouts of high temperatures, itching and profuse sweating cannot be attributed to liver cancer alone, it is important to consult a professional physician if the symptoms continue for a longer time frame. Some patients complain of a nagging pain in their right shoulders which is also a symtom of liver cancer.
Worsening condition of Cirrhosis and Chronic Hepatitis patients
It is important to carefully observe the deterioration of the patients diagnosed for cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. As these diseases are related to the liver, any sudden worsening in the condition of the patients may be caused by liver cancer or any other complicated issues connected with the diseased organ.
The signs and symptoms of liver cancer appear at a stage when no pre emptive treatment can be administered to the patient. It is important to keep a careful watch out for these symptoms that may help in the timely diagnosis and treatment of the threatening disease.