Suspected With Liver Cancer- What Signs And Symptoms Might Bother You?

Liver cancer is not an uncommon cancer that affects liver. It is a vital organ that filter impurities and produces bile. Liver cancer signs and symptoms in its early stages may be dismissible. But as the cancer stage advances the varied symptoms are presented that are different in each case. Primary liver cancer starts in the liver and secondary liver cancer begins elsewhere. Bot are presented with the same symptoms.

Early warning signs of liver cancer that are easily dismissible may differ for each person, and include:

1. Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side or near the right shoulder blade
2. Abdominal swelling or bloating in the abdomen that develops as a mass
3. Enlarged liver / hepatomegaly
4. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Other signs and symptoms of liver cancer include:

1. Fever
2. Dark urine
3. Pale/chalky stools
4. Easy bruising or bleeding
5. Fatigue
6. Weakness
7. Unexplained and unintentional weight loss
8. Poor appetite
9. Enlarged spleen felt as a mass under the ribs on the left side
10. Feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food
11. Nausea
12. Vomiting

They are considered to be easily dismissible as many of these symptoms can be associated with other types of benign liver infections or diseases also.

When talking about the case of liver cancer, the symptoms may continue to evolve and worsen without supportive treatment. It is due to the tumor that grows and the disease advances in toto.

Yes, it is significant to consult your healthcare provider if you notice potential symptoms, -for an accurate diagnosis.

It is essential to mention here that certain rare diagnosis that have potential to develop as a result of liver cancer, especially in the early stages of the disease are referred as Paraneoplastic syndromes. The awareness of these symptoms may help with diagnosing liver cancer. Some paraneoplastic syndromes related to liver cancer are mentioned here:

1. Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels)

2. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)

3. Erythrocytosis (high red blood cell count)

4. Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol levels)

5. Gynecomastia (breast enlargement)

6. Shrinking of testicles in men

It is well said that just based on symptoms alone, it is not appropriate to detect liver cancer early. And we all are aware that cancer in early stages is often easier to treat.

The guidelines recommend that for the individuals with higher risk of developing liver cancer, screening is beneficial. India’s best oncologist team with Cancer Round believe that a thorough and accurate cancer diagnosis is the first step in developing a liver cancer treatment plan.

Our team of oncologists being liver cancer experts use a variety of tests and tools for diagnosing liver cancer, and developing individualized treatment plan for every case is accomplished by multidisciplinary action involving esteemed decision of Tumor board.

Diagnostic work up for liver cancer may include:

Biopsy by choosing several biopsy methods, including fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, core needle biopsy or laparoscopic biopsy.

Bone scan when patient is experiencing bone pain or blood tests reveal elevated calcium levels, then the team of oncologist may perform a bone scan to detect whether liver cancer has spread to the bone.

A CT scan can provide precise information about the size, shape and position of tumors.

CT scans may also be used to guide a biopsy needle precisely into a suspected tumor (CT-guided needle biopsy).

To diagnose liver cancer, variety of liver function tests to assess the function of the liver by measuring the level of certain proteins or waste products in the blood is mandatory. These tests may also be used to develop a treatment plan and evaluate your response to it that means to follow the curse of treat predicting the treatment prognosis.

MRI scans may help distinguish between benign and malignant tumors.

PET test may help doctors determine whether the liver cancer has spread to areas such as the bones or lungs.

Ultrasound is generally recommended every six to 12 months to screen for liver cancer and assess the progress of treatment.

To conclude this informative topic we want to mention that the Liver cancer treatment in India include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, interventional radiology, gastroenterology procedures and targeted therapy, and/or immunotherapy. Liver Cancer Treatment Cost in India AVG range in 3,75,000/-4,50,000/ INR.

For more details please contact us.