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What Is the First Symptom of Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a serious condition that can be challenging to detect early. But if the patients pay attention to the bodily changes, there are good chances to identify the Liver Cancer early. Early detection is the key to treat any form of cancer, including liver cancer. And that’s exactly what we are going to discuss in this blog.

What Are the Causes of Liver Cancer?

Several factors can lead to liver cancer. Common causes include viral infections, excessive alcohol consumption, and other liver damage. These factors can cause changes in liver cells, eventually leading to cancer. Understanding these causes is crucial for early detection and prevention.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer often presents with subtle symptoms in its early stages. There are no specific symptoms when the tumour is small, making early detection challenging. However, as the tumour grows, certain signs and symptoms become noticeable.

1. Pain and Discomfort

The growing tumour can cause pain or a feeling of heaviness in the upper right side of the abdomen. This pain occurs because the tumour puts pressure on the liver and nearby structures. Some patients describe it as a dull ache, while others feel a more pronounced pain.

2. Feeling of Fullness

The tumour can cause a feeling of fullness or a palpable mass in the abdomen. Patients may notice that their right upper abdomen feels swollen or fuller than usual.

3. Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite

Unintentional weight loss is another common symptom. Patients may lose weight without trying and may also experience a loss of appetite. They eat less and feel full faster than usual.

4. Fatigue and Weakness

Many patients report feeling unusually tired or weak. This fatigue can be persistent and does not improve with rest.

5. Jaundice

If the tumour affects the liver’s ability to function, it can lead to jaundice. Jaundice causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating that the liver is not processing bilirubin properly.

6. Ascites

Ascites, or the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, can occur if the liver’s function is compromised. This leads to a swollen abdomen and discomfort.

Experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss? Consult Dr. Aditya Kulkarni,leading liver cancer specialist in pune today for expert evaluation and early liver cancer detection. Don’t wait—get the care you need!

What Is the Earliest Symptom of Liver Cancer?

The earliest symptom of liver cancer can be difficult to pinpoint. In the initial stages, when the tumour is less than 2-3 centimeters, it often does not cause any noticeable symptoms. This small size means the cancer can grow silently without causing significant discomfort or pain. However, as the tumour grows, it starts to exert pressure on the liver and surrounding structures, leading to symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms When the Tumour Grows Larger?

When the tumour increases in size, it begins to cause more noticeable symptoms. Here are some common signs:

1.Pain and Discomfort

As the tumour grows, it can cause pain or a feeling of heaviness in the upper right side of the abdomen. This pain occurs because the enlarging tumour puts pressure on the liver and nearby structures. Some patients describe it as a dull ache, while others feel a more pronounced pain.

2. A Feeling of Fullness

The growing tumour can also cause a feeling of fullness or a palpable mass in the abdomen. Patients may notice that their right upper abdomen feels swollen or fuller than usual.

3.Weight Loss and Loss of Appetite

Unintentional weight loss is another common symptom. Patients may lose weight without trying and may also experience a loss of appetite. This means they eat less and feel full faster than usual.

4.Fatigue and Weakness

Many patients report feeling unusually tired or weak. This fatigue can be persistent and does not improve with rest.

5.Jaundice

If the tumour affects the liver’s ability to function, it can lead to jaundice. Jaundice causes a yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating that the liver is not processing bilirubin properly.

6.Ascites

Ascites, or the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, can occur if the liver’s function is compromised. This leads to a swollen abdomen and discomfort.

How to Detect Liver Cancer Early?

Early detection of liver cancer is challenging due to the lack of specific symptoms in the initial stages. Regular health check-ups and imaging tests like ultrasounds and CT scans can help detect liver abnormalities early. If a liver cyst or any abnormality is detected, further tests can determine if it is benign or malignant.

Related Read:  How Fast Does Liver Cancer Spread? 

What Should You Do If You Experience These Symptoms?

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than two weeks, you should consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes. A gastroenterologist or cancer specialist can perform the necessary tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

How Is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing liver cancer involves several steps. Initially, a physical examination and medical history review are conducted. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs provide detailed pictures of the liver and help identify any tumours or abnormalities. Blood tests can also check for markers that indicate liver cancer. In some cases, a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. This involves taking a small sample of liver tissue and examining it under a microscope.

What Are the Treatment Options for Liver Cancer?

Treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumour, as well as the patient’s overall health. Options include surgery to remove the tumour, liver transplant, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In some cases, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be recommended. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment plan based on your specific situation.

Wrapping Up

Liver cancer can be a silent and dangerous condition. If you experience any persistent symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, or jaundice, seek medical attention promptly. Regular check-ups and imaging tests can help detect liver cancer early and improve the chances of successful treatment.

Don’t ignore persistent symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, or jaundice. Consult Dr. Aditya Kulkarni for early detection and expert liver cancer care.