6 silent signs of liver cancer to never ignore
Liver cancer refers to a malignant tumor in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of the condition, which begins in the hepatocytes (the main functional liver cells). Liver cancer has emerged as the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. One must identify its symptoms as early as possible for timely diagnosis and treatment. Here are a few silent signs of the disorder that shouldn’t be ignored.
Persistent pain
Liver cancer typically causes pain in the upper right abdomen, the back, or the right shoulder. This pain may be characterized as dull and persistent and may be accompanied by swelling in the abdomen.
Unexplained fullness and loss of appetite
An accumulation of excessive fluid in the abdomen can cause one to feel unusually full, even if they have not eaten well. Such fullness and loss of appetite, accompanied by other signs, may point toward liver cancer.
Yellowing of the eyes and skin
Yellowing of the eyes and skin indicates the liver is unable to process a substance called bilirubin. It may be a sign of liver cancer and should not be ignored.
A hard lump under the right rib
A hard lump under the right rib may indicate the presence of a tumor in the liver or a swelling of this organ.
Pale-colored stools
The liver typically releases bile into the small intestine during digestion, which gives stools their brownish color. When the liver stops functioning optimally, it does not produce bile or release it into the small intestine, causing the stools to turn lighter or white in color. Pale-colored stools may indicate liver disease or the onset of liver cancer.
Chronic fatigue
Studies have shown that chronic fatigue is the most common symptom among patients with liver disease. One may experience lethargy and weakness throughout the day, even without performing physical activity. Patients with liver cancer may experience chronic fatigue in addition to other symptoms.
Certain pre-existing conditions, such as an infection caused by hepatitis C virus (or HCV), can also increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. So, it is important to identify HCV signs, such as pain in the right upper abdomen, fatigue, dark urine, and fever, and seek timely treatment to prevent further complications.
A few changes in meal plans can also help prevent liver cancer and improve overall health when dealing with the condition. For instance, one should consider limiting or avoiding red meat, as the liver cannot easily digest it. Alternatively, one can choose lean meat sources like poultry and venison. Further, processed foods like butter, cheese, and bacon are difficult to digest. These foods should be replaced with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, eggs, fatty fish, dairy, and other nutrient-rich options that help boost immunity and are easy on the liver.
