12 signs of liver cancer you need to know about

Liver cancer can be primary or metastatic. In the first case, a malignant tumor arises from liver cells or bile ducts, usually against the background of cirrhosis . In the second, the disease appears due to the penetration of cancer metastases into other organs.

What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

They are the same for primary and metastatic variants. In the early stages there are often no signs of disease. Only in advanced form do some of the following symptoms appear .

1. Jaundice

When a person has liver tumors, the metabolism of the bilirubin pigment is disrupted, some of it goes back into the blood, so the whites of the eyes and skin become yellow. In addition, bilirubin irritates the nerve endings in the epidermis, which leads to severe itching .

2. Changes in stool and urine

Since bilirubin is not completely broken down in the liver and does not reach the intestines, the color of the stool changes. It becomes white and chalk-like, and urine, on the contrary, darkens.

3. Digestive problems

With liver cancer, a person sometimes feels nauseous, vomits, or has indigestion. When eating, the feeling of fullness often occurs earlier than normal. These sensations are associated with an enlarged liver and pressure on the stomach.

4. Weight loss

Many people lose weight for no apparent reason. This is due to the fact that the liver is involved in the metabolism of glucose, fats and protein synthesis, and if the function of the organ is impaired, these substances are not absorbed correctly.

And due to a premature feeling of fullness, a person may eat less than necessary, which also leads to weight loss.

5. Constant fatigue

This is associated with changes in metabolism. A person may notice that they get tired easily or feel like they have the flu .

6. Bruises on the skin

Normally, the liver synthesizes proteins and vitamin K, which are involved in blood clotting. With cancer, the function is impaired, causing a person to bleed easily. Bruises can appear for no apparent reason or from minor exposure.

7. Enlarged liver and pain under the ribs

The growing tumor stretches the liver, it becomes larger, and its edge comes out from under the ribs. As a result, a feeling of fullness or aching pain occurs in the right hypochondrium.

8. Pain under the shoulder blade on the right or in the back

A liver with a tumor puts pressure on the nerves passing nearby, so pain may appear that radiates under the shoulder blade or into the back.

9. Belly enlargement

This happens due to ascites, or fluid accumulation , and the abdomen can become very large. There are several reasons for this:

• In the liver, the synthesis of the protein albumin, which normally retains water in the blood, decreases.
• The outflow of blood through the portal vein from the liver is blocked, so the liquid part goes beyond the vessels.
• The renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system is activated, which leads to sodium and water retention by the kidneys.

10. Veins on the skin of the abdomen

Doctors call this symptom “head of jellyfish.” It appears due to the fact that a liver tumor disrupts the movement of venous blood, so it flows through the vessels located under the skin of the abdomen. This leads to their expansion, and the plexuses become noticeable.

11. Disorders caused by hormones

Often, liver tumors produce hormones that affect the rest of the body and the metabolism of various substances. This can lead to the following violations:

• Elevated levels of calcium in the blood. The condition is accompanied by nausea, confusion, constipation, and muscle weakness.
• Low glucose. Leads to increased fatigue and fainting.
• Breast enlargement (gynecomastia) and testicular shrinkage in men.
• An increase in the level of red blood cells in the blood, which may cause a person to appear red.
• High cholesterol .

12. Enlarged spleen

Due to impaired blood flow in the liver, as well as high levels of red blood cells, the spleen may become enlarged in some people. It puts pressure on neighboring organs, such as the stomach, and disrupts digestion.

What to do if symptoms of liver cancer appear

These symptoms do not always indicate cancer. But in any case, you need to see a therapist. He will order an examination. This may include an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, a biochemical blood test, and if cancer is suspected, a liver biopsy. Only after this will the doctor recommend treatment. This is usually surgery to remove part of the liver. Sometimes radiation therapy or even an organ transplant is necessary.