It is important to go through regular screenings if at risk, or visit the doctor if experiencing symptoms.

Although there are traditional symptoms of liver cancer, such as abdomen swelling or an enlarged liver, there are also more subtle signs that can easily be missed. These signs should never be ignored as noticing them can prompt earlier treatment.

Reader’s Digest has compiled a list of liver cancer’s silent signs:

Know that liver cancer is on the rise

Liver cancer is quite rare but rates have doubled since 1990. By knowing the growing rates of liver cancer, regular screenings can be sought as symptoms don’t usually show until the cancer has reached its advanced stages.

“If we have somebody with regular screenings and it looks like cancer, we can cure them, versus if they have an advanced disease that has spread beyond the liver,” says Ghassan Abou-Alfa, MD, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Has a history of hepatitis C

Those previously admitted with hepatitis C have a risk of developing a liver-related cancer 10 years after their diagnosis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend those born between 1945 and 1965 get tested for the virus as many in that age group haven’t been screened.

Hepatitis C itself can be treated and therefore prevent liver cancer. Nevertheless, its link to liver cancer should always serve as a warning.

Read also: Vitamin D linked to lower risk of cancer: Study

Has a history of hepatitis B or has never been vaccinated

Although unrelated to hepatitis C, hepatitis B can cause liver cancer and those with a history of either the two should get an ultrasound at least once a year to screen for cancer, as stated by Dr. Abou-Alfa.

“Anybody who has hepatitis should have some form of monitoring by a doctor,” he says.

Those who have never gotten a hepatitis vaccine also have a risk of acquiring liver cancer.

Heavy alcohol consumption

Whether currently or in the past, regular and heavy use of alcohol can damage liver tissue and replace it with scar tissue. According to the American Cancer Society, this condition if not treated well, can lead to liver cancer.

Obesity

Obesity, along with diabetes, has been the main driver of liver cancer for years. Even though being overweight doesn’t necessarily put someone at a high risk of liver cancer, at some level the risk factors do increase.

It is important to be more concerned about liver cancer when these risk factors increase. Talking to a doctor is very much recommended.

Unusual abdominal pain

Dr. Brawly of the American Cancer Society states that most people with liver cancer have pain in the upper right side of their abdomen.

Although it doesn’t necessarily indicate liver cancer, it should always be investigated as several other diseases such as hepatitis, gallbladder and pancreas problems can also rise from abdominal pain.

Read also: Vaping may raise cancer risk: Study

Losing weight without trying

Weight loss, along with loss of appetite, is a symptom of liver cancer, but it is also a common symptom of other diseases.

Consulting with a doctor is the best solution, as signs like losing weight without trying and other unseen symptoms might be related to liver cancer.

Feeling full quickly - even after a small meal

Cancer always has the ability to make someone lose their appetite.

As stated by Dr. Abou-Alfa, there are excessive fluids in the abdomen generated by the cancer that can cause someone to feel full faster than usual.

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Yellowing of the skin and eyes is a symptom that many don’t realize is a symptom of liver cancer. It is important to understand that a case of jaundice, doubled with itching, is not simply a mild symptom. (anm/kes)

Popular

Kadin urges stability after Constitutional Court ruling

Jokowi says transition to new government to begi

BCA loan disbursement surges 17.1 percent yoy in first quarter