Liver cancer is an uncommon type of cancer, but recognising the symptoms as early as possible is extremely important to ensure a greater chance of treatment being successful. The symptoms vary depending on where the cancer is in the body, but experts note in the early stages of liver cancer, symptoms can be vague. Symptoms associated with the condition such as feeling sick and loss of appetite can be easily overlooked. While it’s most likely your symptoms aren’t linked to cancer, it’s still important to get checked out by a GP.
Having white, chalky stools can be a sign of liver cancer
One symptom of liver cancer to watch out for may occur when you go to the toilet.
According to Mayo Clinic, having white, chalky stools can be a sign of liver cancer.
Problems with the liver can turn stools pale, including fatty liver disease, liver damage and liver cysts.
Bile salts are released into the stools by the liver, giving them their brown colour.
But if the liver isn’t producing enough bile, or if the bile is blocked and not drinking from the liver, stools may become pale in colour.
Pale stools can also be caused by eating fatty food or foods containing food colouring, so may happen as a one off.
But if pale stools become a frequent occurrence it could be signalling something more serious.
Another major sign of liver cancer is yellow eyes, according to Cancer Research UK.
Yellow eyes is a sign of jaundice – a condition that can also cause the skin to turn yellow.
The cancer charity explains: “When you have jaundice your wee (urine) is darker than normal and your poo (stools or faeces) is lighter in colour.
“Most people who have jaundice also have itchy skin and may feel sick.
“Jaundice is caused from a blockage in the bile duct or your liver not working properly.
“You can get a high temperature (fever) when you have jaundice. It can be a sign of inflammation or an infection.
“When your temperature is high you may feel cold and shivery.”
Other conditions can also cause jaundice, including gallstones, alcoholic liver disease, pancreatitis, hepatitis and sickle cell disease.
But it’s important, if you experience jaundice, to get checked out by your GP so you can find out the cause.
Other symptoms of liver cancer
Other symptoms of liver cancer are listed by the NHS:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling very full after eating, even if the meal was small
- Feeling sick and vomiting
- Pain or swelling in your abdomen (tummy)
- Itchy skin
- Feeling very tired and weak
Treatment for liver cancer
Treatment for liver cancer depends on the stage the condition is at.
If it’s in the early stages, the usual treatment options are surgery to remove a section of the liver, a liver transplant, and microwave or radio frequency ablation.
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