It is estimated that over 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with liver cancer in a single year. There are a few different types of liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer and it mostly affects people who suffer from chronic liver diseases. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is another type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts that affects your liver. Hepatoblastoma is the most common form of liver cancer among children.
The best thing you can do is to learn about liver cancer symptoms and signs so you can seek help as soon as possible:
1. Sudden weight loss
While a lot of people wouldn’t care to lose weight without trying, it can be a sign of a much larger problem. People who are suffering from liver cancer, especially in the early stages will start to experience extreme weight loss. This is because they will start to have a decrease in appetite, or they will start to feel full after a very small meal. Another reason that they will start to lose weight is that they will feel queasy the majority of the time. Vomiting is also a pretty notable tell-tale sign of liver cancer.
2. Jaundice
Jaundice is a very noticeable sign to you and anybody who sees you on a regular basis. It is when your skin and the whites of your eyes have a yellowish tint to them. This is pretty common in premature babies. However, it can be a bad sign for adults because it means that your liver is not functioning properly. If you start to notice it or others say something about it, you should make an appointment to see your medical professional immediately.
3. Changes in the abdomen
Since your liver is located in the abdominal region, you will notice some differences in this area if you are suffering from liver cancer. There will be some pain in the upper abdomen specifically on the right side. Your liver may also become enlarged, leaving you with some bloating or swelling throughout your abdomen.
4. Weakness or fatigue
Some fatigue is normal in people’s everyday life. However, it starts to become a lingering issue or you are starting to feel weak because of it, you may be looking at a bigger problem. People who have been diagnosed with liver cancer have usually been experiencing chronic weakness and fatigue.
5. Prior hepatitis B or hep C diagnosis
It is estimated that people who have a history of hepatitis C can develop liver cancer as late as 10 years after their diagnosis. Doctors recommend that if you were born between the years 1945 and 1965, you should get tested. If they are able to see that you have hepatitis C, they can treat it. This will also help to prevent liver cancer. Hepatitis B can also lead to liver cancer. So, make sure that you are staying up to date on these vaccines as a preventative measure.
