Liver cancer - First symptoms and signs

The liver is one of the vital organs of the human body. Liver is the largest gland and the second largest organ in the human body. Functions of the liver are crucial for a healthy life. Liver cancer is one of the common problems that affect functions of the liver, leading to a life threatening condition.

Gone are the days when death was the choice for liver cancer patients. Modern medical science has many treatment options that can help a person survive. But, the important point that needs to be noted is that diagnosing the disease at an early stage matters a lot.

Liver cancer first stage signs are usually the one which will make a person doubt about his liver function. Knowing the liver cancer first stage symptoms will help you seek the help of a medical professional at the earliest. Treatment will be more effective if you start it from the time when your body presents the liver cancer first stage symptoms.

At the same time, it is worth noting that the symptoms of liver cancer can differ from person to person. Most of the liver cancer first signs are general symptoms that can make you tensed and confused. So, it is recommended to suspect the disease if you experience any of the specific liver cancer first signs along with other general symptoms. Here is a list of the common liver cancer first signs.

Jaundice: Jaundice is not a disease; it is a clinical presentation of any impairment in the liver function. Impaired liver function causes retention of bilirubin in the body. Jaundice is commonly presented as one of the liver cancer first signs.

Weight loss: Liver is the main organ that will help our body in metabolism. Impaired liver function will be presented as weight loss, which can be considered as one of the most important liver cancer first stage symptoms.

Nausea and vomiting: If you experience nausea and vomiting without any other known cause, check whether you have any other symptoms of impaired liver function. Vomiting and nausea are commonly considered as liver cancer first signs.

Fatigue: If you feel fatigue, which remains persistent along with any other symptoms of decreased liver function, you can suspect liver cancer. Even though fatigue is a general symptom, it is commonly seen in liver cancer patients.

Enlarged liver: Liver is situated at the right side of your upper abdomen, extending to the middle. Enlarged liver will make it palpable in this position. It is very important to seek medical advice because hepatomegaly is one of the most important liver cancer first signs.

Itching: Itching can be considered as a general symptom. But, it is one of the important liver cancer first signs. This occurs mainly due to the effect of increased bilirubin in your body. Impaired liver function will result in increased bilirubin, which will cause itching on skin.

Abdominal pain: Enlargement of liver and its impaired function will result in abdominal pain. If you experience abdominal pain along with an enlarged liver, chances are more for you to have liver diseases.

Ascitis: Ascitis or fluid accumulation in the abdomen is one of the general liver cancer first stage symptoms. Bloating in the abdomen along with palpable liver can be considered as an early indication of liver cancer.

Dark coloured urine: Increased bilirubin in the blood will pass through the urine. This will make the colour of urine vary from dark yellow to brown. If you notice a colour change of urine, seek medical advice at the earliest.