It is a fact that the liver is one of the vital organs of the human body. If something happens wrong with this organ, the whole body becomes affected. So, we can say that liver cancer is a deadly illness and one of the fastest-growing types of cancer in the world, including the United States.

Liver cancer has two types: primary and secondary. Primary liver cancer begins in your liver. Secondary cancer reaches in your liver from other parts of your body. Our article is all about primary liver cancer.

Early Signs and Symptoms

After knowing what liver cancer actually is, we will inform you about its most common signs because the treatment depends only on these symptoms. As its signs are not always apparent and overlap with other liver problems, it is a challenge. Following are the main early warning signs you should never ignore;

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

One of the first signs of liver cancer is losing weight without trying. Even if you are eating the same amount as usual, you will notice your clothes feeling loose or the number on the scale going down. It happens because the liver is not working properly, which affects how your body uses food for energy. If this weight loss happens quickly or for no clear reason, it is important to talk to a doctor.

2. Loss of Appetite

Another early symptom is losing interest in food. You may not feel hungry, skip meals, or eat much smaller portions than your normal routine. It can be due to your liver not functioning well, which messes with the signals that make you feel hungry. Over time, it results in poor nutrition and makes you feel weak and tired. If this continues, it is a sign to get checked out.

3. Feeling Full Quickly

If you start feeling full after eating even a little food, it is a clear indication that you might have liver cancer. In this case, the tumour puts pressure on places such as the stomach or nearby areas, causing less space for food. It can be hard to eat enough due to this early feeling of fullness and then lose weight and have low energy. It is worth mentioning this to a healthcare provider if this frequently occurs.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Feeling stomach ache or throwing up without any clear reason can also be an early symptom. When the liver malfunctions, toxins build up in the body, causing discomfort in the stomach. This can make eating or keeping food down hard, leading to further weakness and weight loss. Persistent nausea should not be ignored.

5. Swollen Liver (Hepatomegaly)

Sometimes, liver cancer causes the liver to swell. It will feel like a lump or heaviness under your ribs on the right side. This swelling will not always be painful initially but can cause pain or pressure. If you notice this or feel something unusual in your abdomen, don’t forget to contact a doctor.

6. Pain in the Abdomen or Shoulder

Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the belly or near the right shoulder blade is also a warning sign. In this situation, the tumour presses on nearby areas or nerves. The pain may come and go at first but can become more constant as the condition progresses. If you have this kind of pain that does not go away, you should get it checked out.

7. Abdominal Swelling (Ascites)

Liver cancer can cause fluid to build up in the belly, leading to noticeable swelling. It makes your stomach look bigger and feel tight or uncomfortable. The extra fluid can also make it harder to breathe or move around. This symptom is often easy to spot and should be addressed by a doctor immediately.

8. Yellow Skin or Eyes 

When the whites of your eyes and skin turn yellow (jaundice), the liver can not properly process a substance called bilirubin, causing it to build up in the body. You will also notice dark urine, pale stools, or itching. Jaundice shows that your liver is not functioning well and needs medical attention.

9. Itching Skin

Severe itching is another symptom of liver cancer. It happens when bile builds up in the blood due to problems in the liver. This itching often affects the whole body and does not go away with regular remedies like lotions or creams. It can be very uncomfortable and is worth discussing with a doctor if it becomes persistent.

10. Feeling Tired and Weak

Feeling unusually tired all the time or weak even after resting points to liver cancer. It shows that your body is not getting enough energy, and the liver’s inability to filter toxins makes you feel drained. This kind of fatigue can make it hard to carry out daily tasks. So you should never ignore it if it lasts for a long time.

Knowledge of these symptoms early on can greatly improve your prognosis. Early detection of liver cancer is important to improve the treatment and the results. In particular, people at high risk need to have regular screenings. If you are at high risk, ask a doctor to create a schedule for you to screen.

Preventive Measures

While not all liver cancers are preventable, several steps can reduce your risk, as given below;

• Vaccination and Treatment.

• Healthy Lifestyle Choices like Diet and Exercise.

• Avoiding Toxins.

• Regular Check-Ups.

Treatment Options

After liver cancer diagnosis, treatment options depend on the stage and severity of the disease. Some treatment options that most doctors use are;

• Localised Therapies 

• Surgery 

• Systemic Therapies

• Experimental Treatments

Wrapping Up!

Be reminded we are talking about liver cancer, it is a harmful disease, but you can prevent it and early detection can help keep you from even getting it. So you can have your liver in good health by avoiding the warning signs and keeping them in control and exercising healthily. 

However, if you suffer from any symptoms or are in a high-risk category, do not hesitate to see your healthcare provider. Remember, your health is one of your most outstanding assets; prioritise it today.