Liver cancer is cancer that starts manifesting in the liver and is clinically referred to as hepatic cancer. There are three types of primary liver cancer, namely hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatoblastoma. Liver cancer occurs when there is an abnormal change in the DNA of the liver cells resulting in the growth of a cancerous mass or tumor. The primary reason for the change in DNA is still a medical mystery.

However, its underlying triggers might include hepatitis B or C virus and prolonged liver cirrhosis. Doctors can discover liver cancer through a blood test, Ultrasound, or abdominal CT scan. There are two options for treating liver cancer: the curative option, which includes liver transplantation and surgical liver resection, and the non-curative option where the tumor is controlled through systemic chemotherapy. Here are some liver cancer symptoms to watch out for.

1. Upper abdominal pain
This is usually a sharp pain that suddenly appears and rapidly worsens. When the cancerous mass grows, it directly causes the stretching and breakage of blood vessels in the liver, therefore causing pain.

2. Liver enlargement
During advanced stages of liver cancer, the liver or spleen could become enlarged because of the tumor growing inside it. Although the liver is covered by the bottom of the ribs on the right side of the chest, when it gets enlarged, it can easily be felt by touch just below the right rib.

3. Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes to become yellow, and it is primarily caused by an increase in the bilirubin levels in the blood. Growth of cancerous matter in the liver interferes with the healthy metabolism of blood, thus increasing compounds such as bilirubin.

4. Abdominal swelling
This is one of the most distinctive symptoms of liver cancer because it features a hard and protruding abdomen. Cancerous growth alters the circulation of the portal venous system. As the pressure within these veins increases, fluids will gradually leave these vessels and accumulate in the peritoneal cavity causing the swelling of the belly also known as ascites.

5. Chronic fatigue and unexplained weight loss
As the tumor grows in size, the amount of tumor cells creates a kind of parasite, a kind of autonomous body within the human body. These parasites steal energy from food as their cells are born and die faster than the healthy cells. That these cancerous cells are taking nutrients from us explains why someone will feel fatigued and lose weight.

6. Nausea and vomiting
Blood can sometimes get intoxicated by the sheer amount of dying cancerous cells in the body. These toxins irritate other body organs. The body’s immune system usually reacts by rejecting the toxins; this makes someone feel nauseated and want to vomit.

Some instances of liver cancer might not exhibit any symptoms during the early stages. Thus, it is prudent to visit your doctor for check-up and screening for early intervention, just in case your tests turn out positive.