Liver cancer can manifest various symptoms, some of which may not directly point to the disease, as they can also arise from other health issues. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early detection.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

The symptoms of liver cancer can be classified into common and rare categories. Below are the key symptoms to be aware of:

1. Common Symptoms of Liver Cancer

In the early stages, liver cancer may not exhibit noticeable symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose. As the disease progresses, however, various symptoms tend to arise. Here are the most common signs associated with liver cancer:

• Abdominal Mass or Tumor: Patients often report feeling a swelling or solid mass below the rib cage. While this mass typically does not cause pain, it can occasionally lead to discomfort, especially if swelling occurs near the spine.
• Pain in the Right Abdomen: Tumors in the liver can exert pressure, resulting in pain or discomfort in the right side of the abdomen, particularly beneath the rib cage.
• Right Shoulder Pain: This symptom can be misleading, as pain in the right shoulder may not seem related to liver cancer. However, cancer spread can irritate surrounding nerves, causing the brain to misinterpret the pain’s source.
• Jaundice: Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, often due to bile accumulation. This may be accompanied by light-colored stools and darker-than-usual urine.
• Itching: Accumulation of bile acids in the skin can lead to severe itching, which some may overlook, but it can be a significant symptom of liver cancer.
• Bloating and Shortness of Breath: Patients may experience abdominal swelling (ascites) due to fluid accumulation, causing tightness in clothing and potential pressure on the upper abdomen and lungs, leading to difficulty breathing.
• Loss of Appetite and Unexplained Weight Changes: Liver dysfunction can result in a reduced appetite, with patients feeling full after small meals. Sudden weight loss or gain without a clear cause may also occur, often linked to fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea and vomiting can indicate various health issues, including liver cancer. If these symptoms worsen, seeking medical advice is crucial.
• Fever and Elevated Temperature: A mild, prolonged fever (lasting 2-3 weeks) without an identifiable cause may signal liver cancer.
• Fatigue and Exhaustion: Unlike regular fatigue, cancer-related exhaustion persists despite adequate rest and can signify an underlying health issue.

2. Rare Symptoms of Liver Cancer

In some instances, liver cancer may trigger symptoms related to hormone production by the liver, including:

• Low Blood Sugar Levels
• Breast Swelling and Enlargement
• Increased Red Blood Cell Count
• Testicular Atrophy