Liver Cancer Symptoms: This Change In Your Stool Color Could Be A Warning Sign

The number of liver cancer cases is on the rise, with about 33,000 Americans diagnosed every year. CDC claims the Unites States loses about 27,000 people every year to this fatal disease. Most cases of liver cancer are associated with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis c virus infections. Most people with the virus aren’t aware of it, making it difficult to prevent liver cancer. And, in the early stages, the disease does not exhibit any symptoms. However, certain early warning signs can be noticed.

Symptoms in stools to watch out for: White chalky stools

Lack of liver enzyme called bile can make your stools appear white or chalky. Bile -- the digestive fluid produced by your liver -- is what gives the normal brownish color to your stools when it gets excreted into the small intestine during digestion. Noticing a pale or white, chalky stools could be a warning sign of liver cancer, warns the Mayo Clinic.

However, according to MedicalNewsToday, several other reasons could also produce white chalky stools including fatty food consumption, Giardiasis -- common parasite infection, gallbladder disease, certain medications, Wilson disease, liver damage, fatty liver disease, liver cysts or autoimmune diseases.

Other symptoms of liver cancer include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, general weakness, fatigue, abdominal swelling, pain in the upper abdomen, jaundice, itchy skin, and fever with high temperature. Visit your GP at the earliest, upon noticing such symptoms.

Who is at risk of getting primary liver cancer?

Individuals with cirrhosis, diabetes, chronic infection with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus, inherited liver diseases like Wilson's disease or hemochromatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver are more likely than others to get affected by the liver cancer.

Apart from the above-mentioned diseases, individuals who consume alcohol excessively and those who are exposed to aflatoxins -- toxic substances produced by molds -- are also highly likely to get liver cancer.

Prevention is key

Reducing your risk of cirrhosis, getting vaccinated against the hepatitis B virus, maintaining a healthy weight, cutting down or moderating alcohol consumption, following safety measures while using IV drugs or getting a tattoo or piercing to prevent hepatitis c infection can help prevent liver cancer effectively.