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Symptoms That Require a Doctor's Attention: |
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Right-sided abdominal discomfort
Pain around right shoulder blade
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme fatigue
Yellow tint to skin and eyes
Feeling very full even after a small meal
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Lab Tests
Blood tests cannot diagnose liver cancer although they are used to tell when further testing is needed or a person's overall health. The following tests may be done:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). A progressive increase in AFP may indicate a liver tumor. (Other conditions can also make AFP rise.)
- Cholesterol. High serum cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is sometimes seen in people with liver disease because the cancerous liver cells make too much cholesterol.
- Liver blood tests. These tests include alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and other liver enzymes in the blood. Above normal ranges can indicate liver damage. Since most people with liver cancer also have liver disease (cirrhosis), these liver blood tests may not be normal to begin with.
- Blood glucose and calcium. Cancer cells can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood calcium (hypercalcemia).
More on Liver Cancer Blood Analysis
In the Encyclopedia:
Budd-Chiari syndrome
Liver cancer
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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