Is loss of appetite a warning sign of liver cancer?

According to Dr. Nguyen Chi Thanh, Department of Oncology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, the liver is a vital organ in the body, performing many functions such as eliminating toxins, producing bile, storing vitamins and minerals, metabolizing substances, and synthesizing clotting factors and albumin.

Liver cancer is a condition where liver cells grow abnormally, often due to DNA mutations in the body, forming malignant tumors that interfere with the normal function of the organ. Sometimes, malignant liver tumors develop from other diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.

In its early stages, liver cancer often has no obvious symptoms, is difficult to detect, and is easily confused with other liver diseases. However, some symptoms may suggest early-stage liver cancer, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, lethargy, chills, high fever, darkening of the face (due to impaired melanin metabolism in the liver), and pain in the right lower rib area.

If you notice any unusual symptoms, you should go to the hospital for a check-up by a doctor. If cancer is suspected, the doctor will order further tests to assess and diagnose the disease.

Many people wonder if loss of appetite is a warning sign of liver cancer. (Illustrative image)

If liver cancer is not detected and treated promptly, it will progress to a late stage. At this point, symptoms are more obvious and severe, such as an enlarged liver (which may be palpable), increasing frequency and intensity of pain in the right lower rib area, itchy skin (due to increased bilirubin in the blood), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, and rapid, unexplained weight loss.

Everyone should have regular health checkups and cancer screenings. In its early stages, liver cancer often has no obvious symptoms, so most people pay little attention to it. Those with high risk factors such as cirrhosis, chronic alcoholic hepatitis, and hepatitis B or C should have an abdominal ultrasound screening at least every six months.

When liver cancer is suspected, doctors order additional diagnostic tests such as blood tests, abdominal CT scan, abdominal MRI, and liver biopsy.

"Regular liver cancer screening is an effective way for doctors to detect the disease early, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and quality of life," advises Dr. Thanh.

Nhu Loan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/chan-an-co-phai-dau-hieu-canh-bao-ung-thu-gan-ar907276.html