New Delhi: Liver cancer is when cells start to grow uncontrollably in or around the organ which metabolises fats and regulates blood cholesterol levels. The presence of a benign or malignant tumour is caused by chronic inflammation or DNA or cell damage which results in the uncontrolled growth of cells thereby forming cancer. This disease, according to Cancer.net, is one of the most common cancers in the world and most prevalent in countries like India where Hepatitis B is a frequently-reported infection apart from fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and liver injury.
Unfortunately, liver cancer can go undetected till the disease reaches an advanced stage due to the absence of symptoms. It can be brought to attention by conducting a CT scan or an ultrasound when a patient reports the telltale signs of the disease. And talking of the risk factors, a history of cirrhosis can take the blame. In any case, overlooking liver diseases like fatty liver – alcoholic or non-alcoholic – cirrhosis, liver injury – and their respective symptoms can result in cancer. Furthermore, the malignant tumour is likely to spread to other body parts, progress through various stages and become metastatic if not treated in time.
What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
Liver cancer has no early signs which is why it often goes undetected until the disease progresses uncontrollably. According to doctors, some of the early signs of the disease are:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme weakness
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Light-coloured or white stools
- Chalk-shaped stools
- Jaundice or yellowing of skin and eyes
What are the signs of metastatic liver cancer?
Liver cancer, when it reaches the final stage or stage 4, is known as a metastatic tumour. And as it turns out, the disease is most likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. This is why doctors recommend regular visits to a doctor to ensure timely detection of the disease – more so in people with a family history of the disease.
And when liver cancer reaches its final stage, the symptoms depend on where the tumour has formed. If it cancer the bones, it can cause fractures. But some of the common symptoms of metastatic liver cancer are:
- Unexplained fever
- Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in the right shoulder blade or upper abdomen
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal swelling
- Jaundice
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
What is the life expectancy for stage 4 liver cancer patients?
The most important question when it comes to metastatic cancer is the life expectancy of the disease. According to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, being in the final stage means that cancer has most likely spread to the lungs and bones – and talk of life expectancy, patients have a five-year survival rate when the disease spreads to nearby organs, lymph nodes or tissues. The survival rate, in this case, is 12 per cent and when the disease spreads to distant tissues and organs, the survival rate dips to 3 per cent.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
