What are the early symptoms of liver cancer?

Nov 23, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

In general, early symptoms of liver cancer include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, and others. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and follow standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician. It is also recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle and undergo regular physical examinations, especially for individuals with a history of liver disease or family history, which helps prevent the occurrence of liver cancer.

Generally, early symptoms of liver cancer include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, and others. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and follow standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Loss of Appetite

Patients with liver cancer may experience impaired liver function, which can affect bile secretion, thereby impacting fat digestion and absorption, leading to loss of appetite.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

In the early stages of liver cancer, patients may feel nauseous and even vomit, which may be related to declining liver function and tumor-induced pressure on the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Fever

In the early stage of liver cancer, necrotic tumor tissue may release pyrogens into the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as fever and sweating. This type of fever typically presents as persistent low-grade fever or transient high fever.

4. Abdominal Pain

In the early stages of liver cancer, tumor growth may invade the liver capsule, causing pain or discomfort in the liver area. This pain may manifest as dull, sharp, or cramp-like pain and typically worsens at night or after physical exertion.

5. Jaundice

Tumor compression or invasion of the bile ducts in the liver can obstruct normal bile excretion, leading to jaundice. Jaundice is a prominent early symptom of liver cancer, characterized by yellowing of the skin and sclera, and even dark yellow urine.

It is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle and undergo regular medical check-ups, especially for individuals with a history of liver disease or family history, which can help prevent the occurrence of liver cancer.

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Which liver diseases are caused by alcohol consumption?

In general, liver diseases such as alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic liver fibrosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma may be caused by alcohol consumption. It is advisable to control alcohol intake and avoid long-term heavy drinking. Individuals who already have liver disease or impaired liver function should abstain from alcohol completely. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive intake of fats and sugars is important.

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Why do liver cancer patients have low albumin levels, and what can be done?

Hypoalbuminemia in patients with liver cancer may be caused by increased bodily consumption, fluid imbalance, insufficient nutrient intake, metabolic abnormalities, and decreased liver synthetic function. This condition can be improved through dietary adjustments, medication, and other methods. Patients with liver cancer often experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, leading to inadequate intake of proteins and other nutrients, thereby affecting albumin synthesis.