Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Because symptoms of liver cancer do not usually appear until the cancer is in its later stages, liver cancer is seldom diagnosed early. Unfortunately, no screening tests are sensitive enough for routine use. Small liver tumors are hard to detect by physical examination because most of the liver is covered by the right rib cage. By the time a tumor can be felt, it may already be very large.

As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side; the pain may extend to the back and shoulder
• Swollen abdomen (bloating)
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite and feelings of fullness
• Weakness or feeling very tired
• Nausea and vomiting
• Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice
• Fever

Other liver diseases and other health problems can also cause these symptoms. If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

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