liver-cancer occurs in the background of Liver cirrhosis resulting from viral infections B, C, alcoholism and fatty liver-disease. Unfortunately, the symptoms of liver cancer typically don’t show up until the advanced stage of the disease. They are similar to those of cirrhosis and can include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite, or feeling very full after a small meal
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Pain and fluid accumulation in the abdomen
- Itching of the skin
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Fever, abnormal bruising or bleeding
If you have been experiencing any of these problems over a period of time, it’s important to consult your doctor so that the underlying cause – which may not necessarily be due to liver cancer – can be detected and treated.
Liver cancer can be prevented by vaccination against Hepatitis B, treatment with antiviral drugs against Hepatitis C, lifestyle modifications as well as detection and treatment at an early stage by strict follow up of patients with cirrhosis.
Dr. Sanjay Goja, Director& Clinical Lead- Liver transplant, HPB & Robotic Liver Surgery at Narayana Health.