Liver cancer is rare cancer, but unfortunately, it is one of the most dangerous types of cancer. It is therefore important to educate people about the symptoms it causes. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of liver cancer. What you need to know: (1)
The main symptoms of liver cancer
Liver cancer, like other types of cancer, passes through a series of stages, and the first or first stage is almost silent, which means that the majority of people with liver cancer in its early stages do not suffer from any symptoms, and therefore symptoms begin to appear in the later stages of the disease, read on to learn more About liver cancer symptoms: (1) (2)
1- Lose weight
Unexplained weight loss is one of the symptoms of liver cancer, and unexplained weight loss means unintentional loss, without following a diet and taking medications and supplements that help lose weight.
Therefore, if you notice an unexplained loss of more than 5% of your normal weight in the six months preceding the last year, it is best to consult a doctor. (3) (4)
2- Jaundice
The term jaundice refers to the appearance of yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, the appearance of urine in a yellow color that is darker than usual, while the stool color appears lighter than usual. In addition, jaundice is usually accompanied by the following symptoms: (3) [4]
● Itchy skin.
● fever.
● cold and chills.
It should be noted that the first symptoms of jaundice appear when there is an imbalance in liver function associated with many liver diseases, including liver cancer.
3- flatulence
Liver cancer can cause bloating and distention in the abdominal area, and this has been associated with: [3]
● Increased proliferation of cancer cells, due to the large size of the liver tumor, which leads to the appearance of bulges in the right side of the abdomen.
● Liver cancer increases pressure on blood vessels, causing blood to pool in them. Then fluid from the blood vessels rushes into the abdomen, causing a condition known as ascites.
4- Other symptoms of liver cancer
Liver cancer can be associated with a host of other symptoms, such as: (4) (2) (5)
● Loss of appetite.
● Feeling tired and lack of energy.
● The appearance of flu-like symptoms.
● Pain in the right side of the abdomen that may extend to the right shoulder in some cases.
● indigestion.
● Feeling full quickly when eating.
● Nausea and vomiting.
● dilation of the abdominal veins.
● Abnormal bruising or bleeding.
5- Effects of liver cancer on hormones
Liver cancer affects the normal levels of certain hormones in the body, causing symptoms that appear in organs other than the liver, such as: (5)
● High calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia) This causes nausea, confusion, weakness and constipation.
● Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which leads to fatigue and fainting in some cases.
● breast enlargement or so-called gynecomastia.
● Reducing the size of the testicles in men.
● High red blood cell count (erythrocytosis).
● High cholesterol level.
It should be noted that the appearance of one or more of the previous symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have liver cancer, as these symptoms can be associated with many other pathological conditions, however, they should not be ignored when any of these symptoms occur. . notice. symptoms. symptoms and consult a doctor who prescribes the necessary interventions, examinations, and examinations. (5)
Diagnosis of liver cancer
After explaining the symptoms of liver cancer and the importance of consulting a doctor when noticing one of them, we will present the following diagnostic methods that a doctor can resort to (6) [7)
● Ask about your medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask you about your medical history and symptoms and will perform a physical examination to determine if there is swelling or swelling, or any other symptoms.
● Liver function tests: This test helps give the doctor a general picture of liver health and functions, as it provides information on protein, enzyme, and bilirubin levels, as their levels are related to liver functions.
● Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test: Alpha-fetoprotein is normally found in the liver or fetal sac, but its presence in the blood may indicate liver cancer.
● Imaging tests: The doctor may prescribe imaging tests that identify and evaluate the presence of a tumor in the liver, such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging.
● Liver biopsy: This test involves removing a small sample of liver tissue using a fine needle, endoscope, or surgery. It helps the doctor determine the stage of liver cancer and how far it has spread.
You can take the above tests at any of the branches of Al Borg Laboratories and choose the liver care program that suits you best. You will also find a large number of other tests, which are conducted by outstanding, accurate, and highly qualified staff.
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