Signs and symptoms of liver cancer

Liver cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening type of cancer. Although the exact cause of this disease is still unknown, there are some signs you should watch out for.

Signs and symptoms of liver cancer. (National Cancer Society of Malaysia/Vietnamnet)

Symptoms of primary liver cancer often don't become apparent until the disease is advanced, making early detection extremely important.

According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), one of the most common signs of liver cancer is jaundice. The patient's skin will appear yellow, although this can be difficult to notice in some skin types. A more noticeable sign is that the whites of the eyes begin to turn yellow.

In addition, liver cancer patients may experience other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, feeling very full after eating even small amounts of food, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or swelling, itchy skin, and feeling very tired and weak.

The NHS advises people to see a doctor immediately if they notice any of the above symptoms. "You should also contact your doctor if you have previously been diagnosed with a condition affecting the liver, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis C, and your health suddenly deteriorates," according to the NHS.

While the exact cause of liver cancer remains a mystery, most cases are linked to cirrhosis and liver damage, often due to chronic alcohol abuse or prolonged hepatitis B or C infection. It is also suspected that being overweight and having a poor diet may increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which can lead to liver cancer.

For those wishing to reduce their risk of developing the disease, the NHS recommends reducing alcohol intake and adhering to a balanced, nutritious diet combined with regular physical activity. Regarding treatment, early detection is key to the potential for complete eradication of liver cancer. Options include surgical removal or even liver transplantation.

Currently, only a small percentage of people with liver cancer are diagnosed at a stage suitable for the above treatments. Most patients are found to have cancer that has metastasized. In these cases, treatments such as chemotherapy are used to slow the progression of the cancer and reduce pain and discomfort.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dau-hieu-nhan-biet-benh-ung-thu-gan-284542.html