Liver Cancer: Causes & Symptoms

What Is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a disease where cells in the liver grow out of control. The liver is a large organ that helps your body digest food and remove toxins. When cancer starts in the liver, it is called primary liver cancer. This type of cancer can be serious. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Because early signs of liver cancer are often hard to notice, many people are diagnosed at a late stage. However, knowing the risk factors for liver cancer and spotting symptoms early can help.

Main Causes of Liver Cancer

Many things can increase your risk of getting liver cancer. Some causes are linked to lifestyle, while others are related to infections or health conditions. Understanding these liver cancer causes can help you protect your health. For example, long-term infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C viruses is a main cause. These viruses can damage liver cells over time. According to the CDC, chronic hepatitis infections are among the top risk factors for liver cancer.

Chronic Hepatitis B or C Infection: These viruses can stay in your body for years and harm liver cells.

Heavy Alcohol Use: Drinking large amounts of alcohol for many years can scar the liver. This scarring is called cirrhosis, which raises your risk.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Even if you do not drink alcohol, fat can build up in your liver. This can lead to liver damage and cancer.

Cirrhosis: Any cause of scarring in the liver, such as certain diseases or alcohol, can increase cancer risk.

Family History: If someone in your family had liver cancer, your risk may be higher.

Exposure to Aflatoxins: These are toxins from mold that can grow on stored grains and nuts. Eating foods with aflatoxins can harm the liver.

Diabetes: People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing liver cancer.

Obesity: Being overweight can lead to liver problems and increase your risk.

As you can see, several risk factors for liver cancer are linked to health and lifestyle. But some, like family history, cannot be changed. Still, knowing these liver cancer causes can help you make healthy choices.

Common Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer symptoms may not appear right away. Often, early signs of liver cancer are mild or easy to miss. Yet, noticing these symptoms early can make a difference. If you have any of the following signs, talk to your doctor. While these symptoms can be caused by other health problems, they may also point to liver cancer.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be a warning sign.

Loss of Appetite: You may feel full quickly or not want to eat.

Upper Belly Pain or Swelling: Pain or swelling on the right side of your belly can occur as the liver grows.

Feeling Very Tired: Fatigue that does not go away is common in people with liver cancer.

Yellowing of Skin or Eyes (Jaundice): Your skin or the whites of your eyes may turn yellow. This happens when the liver cannot process a substance called bilirubin.

Nausea or Vomiting: Some people feel sick to their stomach or throw up.

Swelling in the Legs: Fluid can build up in your legs, making them swell.

Itchy Skin: You may notice your skin feels itchy for no clear reason.

Sometimes, people with liver cancer also have fever or a lump under the ribs. Because these liver cancer symptoms can be caused by many conditions, it is important to see a doctor for proper testing. Early signs of liver cancer are often subtle, but paying attention to changes in your body can help with early detection.

Conclusion

If you notice any symptoms or have concerns about liver cancer, do not wait. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gangadhar Vajrala to discuss your health and get expert guidance.