One of the earliest and often overlooked symptoms of liver cancer is continuous pain in the lower abdomen or lower back. According to medical experts, this discomfort can appear without any obvious cause and may be mistakenly dismissed. Dr. Rakesh Sharma, a leading oncologist from Delhi, states, “If the pain persists for a long time and doesn’t ease even with rest, it could be an early sign of a liver tumor. Ignoring this symptom can be dangerous—consulting a doctor is crucial.”
Six Other Silent Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
When abdominal or back pain is accompanied by other signs, the chances of liver cancer increase significantly. Here are six additional symptoms to watch for:
- Abdominal Bloating or Heaviness: A growing tumor in the liver can lead to a heavy, bloated feeling in the stomach. This discomfort often worsens after meals and may be mistaken for indigestion or gas.
- Shoulder Pain: Along with lower back pain, some liver cancer patients also experience shoulder pain. This is often aggravated by physical activity and could result from inflammation or pressure on surrounding nerves.
- Sudden Unexplained Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss without any changes in diet or activity level is one of the common warning signs. Liver dysfunction affects digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to unintentional weight loss.
- Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin and Eyes): When the liver is damaged, bilirubin builds up in the blood, causing the skin and eyes to turn yellow. Jaundice is a classic symptom of liver-related illness, including cancer.
- Loss of Appetite and Nausea: Poor liver function can disrupt digestion, leading to reduced appetite and frequent nausea. If these issues persist, they could indicate a more serious underlying problem.
- Chronic Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling constantly tired or lacking energy is another key symptom. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, the body’s energy production decreases, resulting in exhaustion.
Why Early Detection Matters
Liver cancer is becoming an increasingly serious health issue in India. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 30,000 new liver cancer cases are diagnosed in India every year. Unfortunately, only about 20% are detected in the early stages. One major reason for this is the vagueness of symptoms.
Dr. Sharma emphasizes, “Most patients seek medical help only when the disease has progressed significantly. However, early diagnosis can improve survival rates by up to 50%.”
Risk factors for liver cancer include Hepatitis B and C infections, excessive alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, and unhealthy dietary habits. Experts recommend regular health checkups and awareness of symptoms as key preventive measures.
What You Should Do
If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms mentioned above, don’t delay—seek medical advice immediately. Liver cancer can be diagnosed through blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, or biopsy. When detected early, it can often be treated successfully through surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
“I had been ignoring the discomfort in my stomach and constant fatigue. But after consulting a doctor and undergoing tests, I was diagnosed in the early stage. Timely treatment saved my life.”