How to Recognize the Symptoms of Liver Cancer

The liver is the largest organ in the body other than the skin and is responsible for removing a number of harmful toxins. It also stores and processes nutrients stored in the intestines, which are necessary for the performance of various bodily functions. When cells in the liver accumulate and multiply in an uncontrolled manner, the result is a cancerous liver tumor. The earlier the signs and symptoms of liver cancer are detected, the earlier the disease can be diagnosed and treated.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pay attention to pain in the upper right part of your abdomen. While pain here doesn't necessarily mean liver cancer, it is the location of the liver.

2. Recognize that yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes can be a sign of jaundice. Jaundice is usually caused by liver disease or obstruction of the bile duct, both of which can be precursors to or symptoms of cancer.

3. Monitor persistent symptoms, such as swelling in the abdominal region or a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

4. Know that symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss should not be ignored. These may be symptoms of liver cancer or another type of liver disease.

5. Keep in mind that people who have preexisting conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis B or C are at higher risk of developing liver cancer.

6. Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol once a diagnosis has been made. You want to give yourself the best chance of recovery.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are experiencing many of the symptoms of liver cancer, have your physician take blood tests and other diagnostic tests.
• Ask your doctor about clinical trials. You may be eligible to participate in promising therapies.
• Remember that you are entitled to all information regarding your condition from your physician. Learn about your rights at the Department of Health and Human Services (see Resources, below).
• Since your mental state is extremely important, consider discussing your condition and treatments with a mental health professional or spiritual advisor.

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on 10/17/2008 thanks for all the wonderful information.This is a god sent site for those of us who can't get out much,and have limited access to medical resources