Liver Cancer
What are the Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
Symptoms don’t usually occur in the early stages of liver cancer which in many cases is why it is not until the disease is advanced that a diagnosis is made. Because some of the symptoms can be the result of other cancers or conditions, it is important to seek the care of a physician right away.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), pale stools and dark urine
- Unintentional weight loss
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
- Feeling of fullness after a small meal
- Pain on the right side of the abdomen, the back or the shoulder
- Fever
- Insomnia (inability to sleep)
- Fatigue or feeling faint
- Swollen liver or a mass that can be felt through the skin on the right side
- Swollen veins on the stomach
- Swollen spleen (felt as a mass under the left rib)
- Sudden deterioration in condition for those with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis
References
American Cancer Society “What are the Key Statistics About Liver Cancer?” http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/LiverCancer/DetailedGuide/liver-cancer-what-is-key-statistics/ Retrieved March 22, 2011
American Liver Foundation “What is Liver Cancer?” http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/LiverCancer/DetailedGuide/liver-cancer-what-is-liver-cancer/ Retrieved March 22, 2011
Hepatitis-Central.com "Liver Cancer/Hepatocellular Carcinoma" http://www.hepatitis-central.com/hcv/hcc/toc.html Retrieved March 22, 2011
Mayo Clinic “Liver Cancer” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/liver-cancer/DS00399/ Retrieved March 22, 2011
National Cancer Institute “What You Need to Know About Liver Cancer” http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/liver/page1/ Retrieved March 22, 2011
Palmer, M.D., Melissa. Dr. Melissa Palmer’s Guide to Hepatitis & Liver Disease. New York: Avery Trade, 2004