10 liver damage signs that could indicate liver cancer
The liver is a vital organ that filters impurities from the blood and breaks down toxins. It also produces bile, which aids in fat digestion and eliminates waste from the body. If any of the liver’s functions are compromised, it may exhibit certain signs and symptoms that should not be overlooked. These symptoms could even indicate liver cancer, so it’s essential to be extra vigilant. Here are some liver damage signs one should look out for:
Swelling in the abdominal region
When the liver cannot function healthily, it exhibits some stressful symptoms. One of these stressful symptoms includes the leaking of fluids from its surface. This leaked fluid starts to collect in the abdominal cavity. Apart from the fluid leak from the liver, the intestines also start to leak fluid, and this symptom is known as ascites, which develops due to liver disease. Doctors believe that this is possibly caused by liver cirrhosis, a blocked hepatic vein, or it could also be a sign of liver cancer.
Pale stools
This is another warning sign of a damaged liver or liver disease. The liver’s regular function is to release bile salts into the stools, which give them their brown color. When the liver is under stress or not functioning properly, it can’t produce enough bile, and the bile salts can also become blocked, preventing them from draining out of the liver. When this happens, stools become pale, indicating that there may be a problem. It’s important to note that not every pale stool is a sign of an unhealthy liver, but if it happens frequently, it should be noted, and a doctor should be consulted to diagnose the issue thoroughly.
Nausea
When someone experiences acute liver failure, they may feel fatigued, nauseous, and lose their appetite. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and indicate a serious condition like liver cancer.