Depending on the type of liver cancer you have, you may experience a number of symptoms. The symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, pain, and difficulty with blood sugar control. However, there are several other conditions that may also cause symptoms. If you have liver cancer, you may want to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe a medication or perform a biopsy. A biopsy involves using a thin needle to remove cells or tissue from your liver. This is usually performed under local anaesthetic.
Some of the symptoms of liver cancer may include vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, high blood pressure, or high blood calcium levels. These symptoms may be caused by the buildup of toxins in your body or the cancer cells’ production of hormones. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and PET-CT scans. These tests may help diagnose liver cancer. Your doctor may also prescribe chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can help slow down the growth of the cancer and relieve symptoms. You may also be referred to a nutritionist who can provide you with advice on healthy diet.
The symptoms of liver cancer may not show up until the disease has progressed. However, early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to improve your survival rate. Your doctor may recommend screening tests for other conditions. You may also have to undergo a biopsy, or have other tests. Your doctor may recommend chemotherapy or surgery to remove the cancer. You may also need to have a liver transplant. You may also need a procedure called ablation, which uses heat or alcohol to destroy cancer cells. This may help control the cancer while you wait for a transplant.
Other symptoms of liver cancer may include high levels of bilirubin in your blood. This yellow pigment is caused by the breakdown of red blood cells. You may have a fever or itchy skin. You may also feel tired or lightheaded. You may also experience an increase in the number of red blood cells. You may also feel full easily, and your appetite may change. You may also experience a hard lump in your upper abdomen. This may be caused by the pressure from the cancer. It may also be caused by other structures in your abdomen being pressed against the cancer.
Another common symptom of liver cancer is pain in the right upper quadrant. Pain can also be felt in your back, below your right shoulder blade. This pain may be caused by the tumor pressing on the nerves in the right side of your abdomen. It may also be caused by the blood vessels in the liver being pressed against other structures in your abdomen. You may also experience pain if the liver veins in your liver rupture. This can cause massive bleeding in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
Other symptoms of liver cancer include low blood sugar levels, a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and pale skin. You may also experience fatigue, lightheadedness, and confusion. You may also experience a fever that lasts longer than a week. You may also experience an increase in red blood cells, which may lead to anemia. This is because your body may not be producing enough clotting factors in your blood.
