Liver cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide in 2020. It is a complex and serious disease that affects thousands of people around the world.

Types of liver cancer

Liver cancer can be classified into two main types: primary liver cancer, which originates in the liver, and secondary liver cancer, which has spread to the liver from another part of the body. 

The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for approximately 90% of cases.

Symptoms of liver cancer can vary greatly depending on the stage of the disease and the individual's general health.

What are the early symptoms of liver cancer?

In the early stages of liver cancer, individuals may experience subtle and non-specific symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue and general feeling of weakness.
• Loss of appetite or feeling full after a small meal.
• Unintended weight loss.
• Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen.

These symptoms can often be confused with less serious conditions, making early diagnosis more challenging.

What are the late symptoms of liver cancer?

Symptoms of liver cancer appear in its late stages when the tumor has spread and greatly affected the functions of the liver and the entire body. Below is a precise breakdown of these symptoms as follows:

• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes is one of the most prominent signs resulting from the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood due to the liver’s inability to get rid of it.
• Noticeable swelling in the abdominal area due to the accumulation of fluids within the abdominal cavity, a condition known as ascites, which leads to a feeling of heaviness and discomfort.
• Persistent loss of appetite, where the patient is unable to eat and feels full quickly even after eating very small amounts.
• Unexplained weight loss resulting from the body's inability to absorb nutrients properly due to poor liver function.
• A constant feeling of nausea, often accompanied by vomiting, without a clear reason for this, which leads to a deterioration in the general condition.
• Liver enlargement, which the patient feels as a mass or pressure under the rib cage on the right side, and may be accompanied by constant pain.
• An enlarged spleen appears below the ribs on the left side of the body and may cause a feeling of fullness and discomfort
• Persistent or recurring pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes extending to the shoulder or back, and getting worse over time.
• Severe and annoying itching of the skin occurs as a result of the accumulation of toxins in the blood that the liver is unable to filter.
• The color of the urine changes to dark brown, while the color of the stool changes to light, gray, or clay.
• Permanent fatigue and general weakness even when performing the simplest daily activities due to poor nutrition and the accumulation of toxins in the body.
• High temperature or recurrent fever as a result of infections associated with tumor development. 
• The appearance of prominent veins on the surface of the abdomen as a result of a disturbance in blood flow due to the disruption of blood circulation within the liver.
• Easy bruising of the skin or bleeding from the nose or gums due to a decline in the liver's ability to produce clotting proteins.
• In some advanced cases, rare symptoms appear, such as breast enlargement in men, a disturbance in the blood sugar level, or a rise in calcium, which leads to a feeling of confusion, poor concentration, severe constipation, and mental confusion.

These symptoms indicate a significant deterioration in liver function and require urgent medical intervention with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the appropriate treatment plan, alleviate the severity of symptoms, and control the complications of the disease.

Some symptoms of liver cancer may be subtle...but detecting them early makes the difference. Oncology center.

Causes of liver cancer

Understanding the causes and factors associated with liver cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention, and scientists have identified many factors that contribute to the development of this disease, including:

• Chronic liver diseases: Having conditions, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and cirrhosis, can significantly increase your risk of liver cancer.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Prolonged and heavy use of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis and increase a person's risk of developing cancer.
• Obesity and type 2 diabetes: These metabolic disorders are associated with an increased likelihood of developing liver cancer in some people, especially when the condition is not controlled or treated for long periods.
• Exposure to toxins: Exposure to chemicals, such as aflatoxin, found in contaminated food can contribute to the development of liver cancer.
• العوامل الوراثية: Some genetic mutations and genetic disorders, such as hemochromatosis, can increase the likelihood of infection.

Understanding these factors can help individuals take proactive steps;

Does liver cancer appear in blood tests?

Diagnosis of liver cancer usually includes a set of tests and procedures, the most important of which are certainly blood tests.

• تحاليل الدم: قياس مؤشرات حيوية محددة، مثل ألفا فيتوبروتين (AFP) يمكن أن يوفر رؤى قيمة حول وجود سرطان الكبد.
• فحوصات التصوير: Such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans can help visualize and characterize any abnormalities or tumors within the liver.
• الخزعة: In some cases, the doctor may need to obtain a small sample of liver tissue;
• Endoscopic procedures: Procedures such as endoscopy and percutaneous cholangiography (PTC) can help evaluate the bile ducts and identify any blockages or abnormalities.

These diagnostic methods, often used together, allow health care providers to accurately stage the cancer and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

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Early liver cancer treatment

Early detection and intervention are essential to improve the outlook for individuals with liver cancer.

• الاستئصال الجراحي: Removing the affected part of the liver can be an effective treatment for small, localized tumors.
• Liver transplant: For individuals with advanced liver disease and small tumors, liver transplantation may be a viable option.
• Ablative treatments: Techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation, can be used to destroy small tumors in the liver without the need for surgery.
• Topical chemotherapy: These procedures involve delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumor, blocking blood circulation to the affected area.
• Targeted drugs and immunotherapy: Innovative treatments that target specific pathways or enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells without harming healthy cells as much as possible.

Receiving a correct diagnosis of liver cancer can be a confusing and emotionally difficult experience.

Treating late symptoms of liver cancer

In the late stages of liver cancer, the primary goal is not complete recovery from the disease. Rather, the greatest focus is on alleviating symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life as much as possible. This type of care is known as palliative treatment, and it includes a group of medical interventions and psychological and social support. Below is a detailed explanation of the types of treatments used as follows: 

Relieve pain and fatigue

Pain is one of the common symptoms at this stage, so strong analgesics such as morphine and its derivatives are relied upon to effectively relieve pain. Additional medications are also used to control nausea and vomiting and improve appetite, such as antiemetics and steroid compounds. The patient is provided with nutritional advice to reduce the feeling of fatigue, such as eating small meals at regular intervals and staying away from fatty or heavy foods that stress the liver.

Treating ascites and jaundice

Many patients at this stage suffer from abdominal bloating due to the accumulation of fluids known as ascites. In this case, doctors may resort to manually withdrawing fluids from the abdomen to relieve pressure and improve breathing and appetite. In some cases, a permanent tube is installed to drain the fluids. However, in the case of jaundice resulting from obstruction of the bile ducts, a procedure is used to install a stent inside the bile duct to facilitate the passage of bile and reduce its accumulation in the body.

Use of radiotherapy

In some cases, radiation therapy is used to reduce the size of tumors or reduce the pressure that tumors cause on surrounding organs such as the diaphragm or intestines, which helps relieve pain and improve breathing and digestion. It is not used for final treatment, but rather to relieve suffering and improve physical comfort.

Psychosocial support

At this stage, psychological support is very necessary, as many patients feel fear, anxiety, or depression as a result of the deterioration of their health condition. Therefore, individual or group psychological support sessions are provided under the supervision of specialists. Social support is also provided through communication with support groups designated for patients with cancer, which helps to exchange experiences and alleviate the feeling of isolation.

Continuous follow-up and care

The late stage of liver cancer requires continuous follow-up by the medical team to evaluate the effectiveness of palliative treatments and adjust medications as needed. The patient’s vital functions are also monitored regularly to avoid sudden complications that may arise as a result of liver deterioration or the appearance of new symptoms.

Does it cure liver cancer in its early stages?

While the answer to the previous question depends on the specific stage, the patient's general health, and the treatment used, liver cancer has a good chance of being cured if it is detected early and the patient begins treatment with surgery, ablation treatments, or even an immediate transplant of new liver cells.

Does liver cancer appear suddenly?

Liver cancer usually does not appear suddenly, but the main problem hindering diagnosis is that the symptoms tend to be vague and non-specific. Fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain are general symptoms that may indicate several other, less serious diseases.

Liver cancer is a huge challenge, but it is not insurmountable.

Understanding the many symptoms of liver cancer, knowing its causes, and being aware of diagnostic methods are all tools that enable individuals to closely monitor their health and seek timely medical attention.

Collaboration between patients, doctors and communities is a cornerstone of the fight against this disease.

Frequently asked questions 

How do I know that the cancer has spread to the liver?

To find out if the cancer has spread to the liver, you should watch for symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, pain in the right side of the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, and persistent fatigue.

What are the signs that the liver is not well?

Signs such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, swelling of the abdomen and legs, itching of the skin, change in the color of urine to dark, stool to light, constant fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and easy bruising, indicate the possibility of a problem with the liver. When these symptoms are observed, it is therefore recommended to consult a doctor to conduct the necessary tests and determine the exact cause.

How long does a stage 1 liver cancer patient live?

In the first stage of liver cancer, the tumor is limited within the liver and has not spread to blood vessels or other organs, and with appropriate treatment such as surgery or liver transplantation, five-year survival rates can reach about 50% or more.