Liver Cancer Symptoms Q&A

At Digestive Disease Care, we understand that recognizing liver cancer symptoms early is essential for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Common symptoms may include the following:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen or near the right shoulder blade
• Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever

These symptoms can be indicative of liver cancer, but they may also reflect other gastrointestinal or liver-related conditions. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek prompt evaluation from the specialists at Digestive Disease Care. Our team offers comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment plans to ensure optimal digestive and liver health.

• Early Stages: Liver cancer is often asymptomatic in the early stages, which makes it difficult to detect without screenings.

• Subtle Symptoms: In some cases, individuals may experience mild, easily overlooked symptoms such as:

• Mild abdominal discomfort
• Decreased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Nausea

• Advanced Stages: As the cancer progresses, more noticeable symptoms may develop, including:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Upper abdominal swelling or pain
• Enlargement of the liver or spleen
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)

At Digestive Disease Care, we emphasize the importance of regular screenings and check-ups, especially for individuals with higher risk factors, such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, heavy alcohol use, fatty liver disease, or a family history of liver cancer. Early detection through routine evaluations can improve treatment options and patient outcomes. Our team provides personalized care and advanced diagnostic testing for liver cancer and other digestive diseases.

• Disruption of Bile Production: The liver produces bile, essential for breaking down dietary fats and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Liver cancer can disrupt bile production and flow, leading to digestive issues.

• Digestive Symptoms: Patients with liver cancer often experience symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms occur due to impaired nutrient absorption and digestion:

• Blockages or Enlargement of the Liver: Liver cancer may cause blockages or enlargement, interfering with the normal passage of digestive fluids and affecting digestion.

• Jaundice: As the liver’s function declines, it may lead to jaundice—a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin levels due to disrupted bile flow.

• Impaired Metabolism: Liver cancer can hinder the liver’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, leading to fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, and reduced energy levels.

• Difficulty Digesting Fatty Meals: Patients often struggle with decreased appetite and difficulty digesting fatty or heavy meals, contributing to nutritional imbalances and weight loss.

• Ascites: In advanced stages, liver cancer can cause fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), increasing pressure on digestive organs and worsening abdominal discomfort and digestive difficulties.

At Digestive Disease Care, our specialists provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and support to manage digestive symptoms associated with liver cancer. Our team of gastroenterologists and hepatologists works together to enhance digestive function and improve patients’ overall quality of life throughout their treatment.

Early-Stage Liver Cancer Symptoms:

• Mild abdominal discomfort or intermittent tenderness
• General fatigue or low energy levels
• Slight loss of appetite
• Minor, unexplained weight loss
• Often detected incidentally during routine medical check-ups, imaging studies, or evaluations for unrelated digestive issues

Advanced-Stage Liver Cancer Symptoms:

• Persistent pain or swelling in the upper right abdomen (near the liver)
• Significant, unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Persistent fatigue and generalized weakness
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Itching across the body
• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
• Dark-colored urine and pale, clay-colored stools indicate serious liver impairment

Why Early Detection Matters:

It is important to schedule regular check-ups and screenings if you are experiencing any early-stage liver cancer symptoms as they can be subtle or absent. Digestive Disease Care offers comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, advanced imaging technologies, and specialist consultations to detect liver cancer early, improving treatment outcomes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or has risk factors for liver disease, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Early intervention can significantly improve treatment options, outcomes, and quality of life. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, Riverhead NY and BEYOND.