Liver cancer can present various symptoms, particularly as it progresses. Early-stage liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as the disease advances, common symptoms include:
- Unintentional Weight Loss: Significant and unexplained weight loss is a common symptom.
- Loss of Appetite: A decreased desire to eat, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.
- Upper Abdominal Pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous and vomiting can be symptoms.
- General Weakness and Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired and weak.
- Enlarged Liver (Hepatomegaly): The liver may become enlarged, which can be felt as a mass under the ribs on the right side.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels.
- Swelling in the Abdomen (Ascites): Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, leading to bloating.
- Itchy Skin: Often associated with jaundice.
- White, Chalky Stools: Changes in stool color due to bile duct obstruction.
If you persistently experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your healthcare provider, as they can also be caused by other conditions. Your healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, order diagnostic tests to determine the cause of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prognosis. At GW Cancer Center, you’ll be seen by doctors and surgeons who rank among the top experts in the Washington, DC, region.
