what are the symptoms of liver cancer

Symptoms

feeling generally unwell or having symptoms like flu. a lump in the right side of your tummy. Other symptoms can affect your digestion, such as: feeling or being sick. pain at the top right side of your tummy or in your right shoulder.

Causes

• Worsening weakness and exhaustion.
• A need to sleep much of the time, often spending most of the day in bed or resting.
• Weight loss and muscle thinning or loss.
• Minimal or no appetite and difficulty eating or swallowing fluids.
• Decreased ability to talk and concentrate.
• Little interest in doing things that were previously important.

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Prevention

Liver disease doesn't always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, the may include: Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice) Abdominal pain and swelling. Swelling in the legs and ankles. Itchy skin. Dark urine color.

Complications

Your survival when diagnosed with cancer that started in the liver (primary liver cancer) depends on how advanced it is at diagnosis and many other factors, such as your individual condition, type of liver cancer, treatment and level of fitness. Because of this no one can tell you exactly how long you’ll live.

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How do you feel when you have liver cancer?

Symptoms of liver cancer can include: your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow (jaundice), you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual. loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to. feeling tired or having no energy.

What is the first stage of liver cancer?

Stage 1A means there is a single tumour in the liver that is 2cm or less, and it has not grown into the blood vessels. Stage 1B means there is a single tumour that is more than 2cm, and it has not grown into the blood vessels. Stage 1 liver cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes or anywhere else in the body.

Where does liver cancer usually start?

Primary liver cancer Your doctor can tell you more about the type you have. The most common type of liver cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma. Also known as HCC. It starts in the cells that make up the liver.

Is liver cancer painful in early stages?

When liver cancer is in its early stages, you might have no symptoms at all. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC) have similar symptoms: A lump below your rib cage or pain on the right side of your abdomen, or pain near your right shoulder.

How can you detect liver cancer early?

Tests and procedures used to diagnose liver cancer include:Blood tests. Blood tests may reveal liver function abnormalities.Imaging tests. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT and MRI.Removing a sample of liver tissue for testing.

Who is most likely to get liver cancer?

Although liver cancer can happen at any age, it is most common in older people. Most people diagnosed are over the age of 60. The highest rates are in 85 to 89 year olds.

Where is the pain with liver cancer?

Liver cancer pain is commonly focused on the top right of the abdominal area, near the right shoulder blade. The pain can sometimes extend into the back. It can also be felt in the lower right portion of the rib cage. The pain might be accompanied by swelling in the abdomen and in the legs and ankles.

Can you have liver cancer and not know it?

Like most cancers, liver cancer typically develops slowly and quietly, without causing any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. While some patients with liver cancer don't have any underlying conditions, liver cancer most often develops in patients with other conditions or diseases that affect the liver.

What is the main cause of liver cancer?

Chronic viral hepatitis Worldwide, the most common risk factor for liver cancer is chronic (long-term) infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). These infections lead to cirrhosis of the liver and are responsible for making liver cancer the most common cancer in many parts of the world.

Does liver cancer make your stomach swell?

Liver cancer can cause swelling of the tummy (abdomen). This might be because: the liver gets bigger from the growing cancer, and causes swelling on the right side of your abdomen. the cancer (or cirrhosis) increases pressure in the liver causing blood to back up in the vessels (veins).

Does liver cancer make you tired?

Some liver tumors make hormones that act on organs other than the liver. These hormones may cause: High blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea, confusion, constipation, weakness, or muscle problems. Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can cause fatigue or fainting.

Does liver cancer cause weight gain?

Rapid and unexpected weight gain is also a possible sign of liver cancer. This usually occurs due to the rapid build-up of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).

How do you know if you have liver cancer?

When signs and symptoms do appear, they may include: Losing weight without trying. Loss of appetite. Upper abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting.

What type of cancer is found in the liver?

Several types of cancer can form in the liver. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which begins in the main type of liver cell (hepatocyte). Other types of liver cancer, such as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma, are much less common. Cancer that spreads to the liver is more common than cancer ...

What are the risk factors for liver cancer?

Factors that increase the risk of primary liver cancer include: Chronic infection with HBV or HCV. Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases your risk of liver cancer.

What happens when liver cells change?

Liver cancer happens when liver cells develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. A cell's DNA is the material that provides instructions for every chemical process in your body. DNA mutations cause changes in these instructions. One result is that cells may begin to grow out of control and eventually form a tumor — a mass of cancerous cells.

What causes scar tissue in the liver?

Cirrhosis. This progressive and irreversible condition causes scar tissue to form in your liver and increases your chances of developing liver cancer. Certain inherited liver diseases. Liver diseases that can increase the risk of liver cancer include hemochromatosis and Wilson's disease. Diabetes.

How to reduce risk of cirrhosis?

You can reduce your risk of cirrhosis if you: Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount you drink. For women, this means no more than one drink a day. For men, this means no more than two drinks a day.

Where does liver cancer begin?

Liver cancer. Liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver. The most common form of liver cancer begins in cells called hepatocytes and is called hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of your liver. Your liver is a football-sized organ that sits in the upper right portion of your abdomen, ...

How do you know if you have liver cancer?

Some common early warning signs of liver cancer include: Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side or near the right shoulder blade. Abdominal swelling (ascites) or bloating in the abdomen that develops as a mass.

Why do I vomit when I have liver cancer?

Nausea. Vomiting. Many of these symptoms may be caused by other types of benign liver infections or diseases. In the case of liver cancer, the symptoms may continue to evolve and worsen as the tumor grows and the disease advances. If the patient notices potential symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of paraneoplastic syndrome?

Paraneoplastic syndromes cause symptoms in other parts of the body. Awareness of these symptoms may help with diagnosing liver cancer. Some paraneoplastic syndromes related to liver cancer include: Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels) Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)

Can liver cancer be seen?

Liver cancer signs and symptoms. In its early stages, liver cancer may not show any apparent signs and symptoms. Over time, though, as a tumor in the liver grow s, a patient may see or feel it. Or a doctor may see or feel it during a checkup. At this point, the cancer may be advanced and more difficult to treat.

Can liver cancer be caused by other conditions?

The symptoms of liver cancer may differ for each person, and any one of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Also, while it’s true that liver cancer symptoms are more common in the later stages, some patients develop them earlier. Some common early warning signs of liver cancer include: Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side ...

Can you detect liver cancer early?

Based on symptoms alone, it may be difficult to detect liver cancer early, when it’s often easier to treat. For some people who have a higher risk of developing liver cancer, screening may be recommended or beneficial. If you have one or more risk factors for liver cancer, connect with your care team to discuss screening options.

What are the symptoms of a swollen leg?

Jaundice -- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Itching all over the body. Swollen legs. In the advanced stage, symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, general weakness, mental confusion, loss of sex drive, pain in the left side of the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen, ...

Does liver cancer cause fever?

Liver cancer usually has no initial symptoms or may have vague symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, and night sweats. Eventually, symptoms may include: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the upper right section of the abdomen. Weight loss.

Can liver cancer go undiagnosed?

You develop symptoms that suggest liver cancer. Although the symptoms may be related to another liver disorder or some other ailment, it's best not to let them go undiagnosed. Early detection of cancer ensures better response to treatment.

Early Warning Signs Of Liver Cancer

The early signs of liver cancer may differ for each individual, and any one of these signs and symptoms may be led by other situations. Also, severe signs of liver cancer are more general in the post stages, though a few cancer patients encounter them earlier.

Causes Of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer occurs when liver tissues and cells change or mutate in their DNA. A cancer cell’s DNA is the substance that gives directions for every chemical process and activity in your body. DNA mutations lead to changes in these directions.

Different Stages Of Liver Cancer

After a person gets diagnosed with malignant liver cancer, doctors or oncologists will try to find out if it has rolled out, and if so, how far. This whole process is known as staging. The cancer disease stage tells how many or how big a cancer tumor is present in the body.

What Are The Risk Factors For Liver Cancer

People often ask, “ is liver cancer hereditary ”? Regardless of the fact that liver cancer deaths are primary and strong hereditary elements, a family history of the disease can escalate a person’s chances of growing liver cancer. HCV and HBV infections and excessive alcohol consumption are potential risk factors for causing liver cancer.

How do you know if you have liver cancer?

Liver Cancer: Symptoms and Signs 1 Pain, especially at the top right of the abdominal area, near the right shoulder blade, or in the back 2 Unexplained weight loss 3 A hard lump under the ribs on the right side of the body, which could be the tumor or a sign that the liver has gotten bigger 4 Weakness or fatigue 5 Yellowing of the skin or eyes, called jaundice

Where is the liver cancer lump?

Pain, especially at the top right of the abdominal area, near the right shoulder blade, or in the back. A hard lump under the ribs on the right side of the body, ...

What is liver cancer treatment called?

If liver cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called "palliative care" or "supportive care.". It is often started soon after diagnosis and continued throughout treatment.

What is a symptom?

A symptom is something that only the person experiencing it can identify and describe, such as fatigue, nausea, or pain. A sign is something that other people can identify and measure, such as a fever, rash, or an elevated pulse. Together, signs and symptoms can help describe a medical problem.

Can hepatic encephalopathy cause cancer?

Hepatic encephalopathy (mental confusion) and bleeding from the esophagus or stomach, or any worsening of the condition, may also indicate cancer. If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor. Your doctor will ask how long and how often you’ve been experiencing the symptom (s), in addition to other questions. ...