Watch Out For Symptoms In The Stomach Warning You Of Deadly Liver Cancer

Your liver is a football-sized organ located in the upper right section of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm but above the stomach. Cancer that starts in the liver is often referred to as primary liver cancer, a type of cancer separate and distinct from secondary liver cancer. Primary liver cancer begins in the organ’s cells, as opposed to secondary liver cancer, where it develops in another section of the body then spreads to the liver.

Liver cancer symptoms seldom manifest during the early stages, and if they do, they are often vague, causing patients to associate the signs with another disease. When liver cancer is in the advanced stage, however, warning signs, particularly in the tummy, start to manifest.

A Revealing Sign

One of the most obvious signs of liver cancer is a swollen tummy. In many cases, it is accompanied by slight to excruciating pain. Cancer Research UK explains that liver cancer causes the swelling of the stomach because as the liver becomes bigger, it causes the right side of the abdomen to swell. The abnormal size of the liver is due to growing cancer, which bloats the liver beyond its normal size.

In some cases, the increasing pressure brought about by growing cancer causes blood to flow back in the vessels, forcing fluid out of the veins into the stomach. This process is known as ascites. According to the health organization, the amplified pressure in your veins causes swelling in such a proportion that you may already see them beneath the surface of your stomach.

Other Warning Signs of Liver Cancer

Aside from a swollen stomach, many other signs may start to manifest during the advanced stage of liver cancer. These include loss of appetite, feeling very full after small meals, unintentional weight loss, feeling weak and very tired, and having itchy skin.

Your skin and the whites of your eyes may display a yellowish hue, a condition known as jaundice, and you may start feeling sick or being sick. When you observe any of these symptoms, you should immediately schedule a visit with your GP to get an early diagnosis. Try not to panic as many of these symptoms may indicate a less-serious condition like an infection. It is prudent, however, to seek the advice of a doctor instead of subjecting your symptoms to a wait and see attitude.

Bear in mind that while cancer has no cure, there are available treatment options. The outcome of these treatment methods, however, hugely depends on how early the cancer was discovered. This is why it is important to have the symptoms diagnosed to see if it is liver cancer or not.