Three early signs of liver cancer that are hard to detect

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Liver cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers.

This is partly because liver cancer is often detected in later stages, as the telltale signs can be “easy” or “difficult” to diagnose, according to the doctor.

“You can have liver cancer for years – perhaps even decades – and not know it because it can go unnoticed,” says the hepatologist.

While key symptoms may not rear their ugly head, it’s important to know what to look for and catch any suspicious changes as soon as possible.

Fortunately, the doctor shared potential early signs of liver cancer that you should be aware of, including:

• Generally feeling unwell
• Feeling tired and lethargic with no energy
• Pain in the upper right abdomen.

The doctor explained that these warning signs can be “subtle” and “vague,” making them “difficult to diagnose.” However, as the tumor, which is located in the cone-shaped organ, continues to grow, the signs may become more obvious.

Jaundice is usually the first symptom of the disease.

When liver cancer cells begin to grow through the liver tissue and cause liver failure, it can trigger jaundice.

“One of the most common symptoms and signs is jaundice, which causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow, and the skin to feel itchy.” According to the study, this characteristic sign of liver cancer usually appears as the first warning sign in 19 to 40 percent of patients with the disease. In addition, jaundice can also turn your urine dark and your stool pale and stringy, the doctor added. This serious condition can affect your body in a variety of ways, including the production of hormones that affect organs other than the liver.Therefore, the doctor recommended that you look for the following signs:

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Feeling full after eating a small meal.
• You may feel a hard lump or fullness in the upper right abdomen under the ribs (enlarged liver).
• You may feel a hard, enlarged area under the left ribs, which may be an enlarged spleen.
• Pain in the right shoulder, which is caused by irritation under the diaphragm.
• Biochemical changes, such as increased calcium levels in the blood, can cause muscle weakness, constipation, and confusion.
• Low blood glucose levels can cause fainting and collapse.
• Men may develop breast enlargement (gynecomastia).
• Due to high levels of red blood cells, the face may look red and flushed.
• Cholesterol levels may increase.

As soon as you start to experience warning signs indicating liver cancer, you should contact your physician immediately.