Liver cancer is a life-threatening condition that often develops quietly, with little to no symptoms in its earliest stages. Many people don’t realise something is wrong until the disease is more advanced. That’s why understanding the first warning signs is crucial—it could make all the difference in getting timely treatment.
Doctors use several approaches to treat liver cancer, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted medicines:
- Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells that grow and divide quickly.
- Immunotherapy boosts the immune system so it can fight cancer more effectively.
- Targeted therapy attacks specific molecules cancer cells rely on for growth and survival, helping to stop tumours from spreading and even shrinking them.
When these treatments are started early, the chances of slowing the disease and improving survival are much higher.
Understanding Liver Cancer
The most common type of primary liver cancer is Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It develops in the liver’s main cells, called hepatocytes. Many patients who develop this form of cancer already have long-term liver problems, such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis infections.
The liver—located in the upper right section of your abdomen—has essential jobs, such as:
- Breaking down and processing nutrients from food
- Filtering waste and harmful substances from the blood
- Producing bile to aid digestion
When cancer damages the liver, these processes can become impaired, leading to serious health problems.
Key Symptoms of Liver Cancer
One of the challenges with liver cancer is that it often doesn’t produce obvious signs early on. Many initial symptoms are mild and can be mistaken for everyday issues. As the disease progresses, these signs may become more noticeable:
1. Sudden, Unexplained Weight Loss
Dropping weight without dieting or exercising more could be a warning sign. This can occur when cancer accelerates the body’s metabolism and consumes more energy.
2. Constant Fatigue
Feeling weak or exhausted even after rest can signal liver trouble. A damaged liver can’t clear toxins from the body effectively, which can leave you feeling drained.
3. Pain or Swelling in the Abdomen
Discomfort or pressure in the upper right side of your belly is a common symptom. Swelling may occur if fluid builds up in the abdomen, a condition known as ascites.
4. Yellowing of Skin and Eyes (Jaundice)
When the liver can’t break down bilirubin properly, it builds up in the body, causing the skin and eyes to appear yellow.
5. Loss of Appetite
A sudden disinterest in food—sometimes accompanied by nausea—can be a sign of liver problems.
6. Dark Urine or Pale Stools
Changes in the colour of your urine or stool often point to bile production issues in the liver.
7. Itchy Skin
Bile salts that leak into the bloodstream due to liver damage can cause ongoing itchiness.
8. Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling sick or throwing up without another obvious cause could indicate that your digestive system is being affected by liver disease.
Early Clues You Should Pay Attention To
Even though these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, they should not be ignored, especially if they last more than a couple of weeks:
- Ongoing Fatigue and Sudden Weight Loss – Persistent tiredness combined with unexpected weight changes can point to serious illness.
- Upper Abdominal Pain with Swelling – Could be linked to liver enlargement or fluid buildup.
- Yellow-Tinged Skin or Eyes – Suggests the liver is struggling to remove toxins.
- Changes in Appetite and Nausea – Often appear as the liver’s ability to aid digestion declines.
- Altered Stool or Urine Colour – May indicate bile flow problems.
- Persistent Itching – A possible result of bile acids circulating in the blood.
Targeted Therapy for Advanced Cases
For people with advanced liver cancer, targeted therapy has become an important treatment option. Anti-cancer medicine includes Cabozantinib, which works by blocking kinases—proteins that cancer cells rely on to grow and spread.
Cabzored 20mg, containing cabozantinib, is a targeted cancer medicine. It works by blocking specific proteins that help cancer cells grow and spread, while also preventing the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumours.
This treatment also prevents tumours from forming new blood vessels, cutting off the nutrients they need to survive. As a result, tumour growth slows, and in some cases, tumours may shrink.
Unlike standard chemotherapy, which attacks both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy focuses only on specific cancer pathways. This makes it a more precise treatment, often with fewer side effects.
Final Thoughts
Liver cancer, especially Hepatocellular carcinoma, can remain hidden for a long time. Unfortunately, this means it’s often discovered late. Symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, jaundice, tiredness, changes in digestion, and unexplained weight loss can easily be mistaken for less serious health problems.
Catching the disease early offers the best chance for effective treatment. Whether it’s chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted medicines, beginning treatment before the cancer spreads significantly improves the outlook.
If you notice persistent changes in your health—especially any of the warning signs listed here—it’s important to see a doctor promptly. Listening to your body could save your life.
