How much do you really know about liver cancer? Does it show obvious signs early on, or can it develop silently without noticeable symptoms? Understanding this is especially important for those at higher risk.
Liver cancer develops when abnormal cells start growing in the liver. This vital organ, roughly the size of a football, is located in the upper right side of your abdomen, just below the diaphragm and above the stomach.1
There is no single “first sign” or symptom that can reliably confirm or rule out liver cancer. For many patients, the earliest indication is not something they feel. It is an abnormal result discovered during routine liver cancer screening. The most treatable cases of liver cancer are often found before any symptoms appear.
In this article, we will explain why relying solely on symptoms can be risky, what signs may eventually appear, and why proactive liver cancer screening is the most effective way to detect the disease early.
Are There Any Symptoms for Liver Cancer?
One of the most challenging aspects of liver cancer is that it often develops silently in its early stages. This is also when it is most treatable. The liver is a large and resilient organ, capable of continuing its vital functions even when a small tumor is present. As a result, many people feel completely healthy while liver cancer is developing.
When symptoms do occur in the early stages, they are usually subtle and easy to overlook. These may include:2
- A dull ache or vague discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Feeling full after eating only small amounts of food
- Mild, persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained, slight weight loss
- Occasional nausea
These early signs are often mistaken for everyday issues such as indigestion, stress, or minor abdominal discomfort. Relying on these symptoms alone to detect liver cancer is risky, which is why proactive liver cancer screening is crucial, particularly for individuals at higher risk.
Potential Signs and Symptoms of Late Stage Liver Cancer
As liver cancer advances, symptoms often become more noticeable and severe. These changes occur when the tumor grows large enough to interfere with liver function or spread to nearby areas.
Common late-stage symptoms include:3
- Significant, unintentional weight loss
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Abdominal pain or noticeable swelling, particularly on the upper right side
- Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Nausea or vomiting, and a feeling of fullness even after small meals
- Swelling in the abdomen due to fluid accumulation (ascites)
- Visible veins on the abdominal wall
- Confusion or cognitive changes caused by hepatic encephalopathy
Additional symptoms may occur if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as bone pain or difficulty breathing. These signs indicate that the liver’s ability to process nutrients, filter toxins, and produce essential proteins is significantly compromised.
Recognising late-stage symptoms emphasises the importance of early detection. Regular liver cancer screening allows doctors to find tumors before they cause serious complications, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
How Do Doctors Tell If You Have Liver Cancer?
If symptoms are not a reliable indicator, how do doctors detect liver cancer early? The answer lies in proactive liver cancer screening.
Screening helps identify liver cancer before it causes noticeable symptoms. It is especially important for people at high risk, even if they feel perfectly healthy.
You are considered high-risk if you have:
- Chronic Hepatitis B or Chronic Hepatitis C
- Liver cirrhosis from any cause, including alcohol use or fatty liver disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in advanced stages
- A family history of liver cancer
Liver cancer screening typically involves two simple tests every six months:
- A blood test to measure Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which can indicate tumor activity.
- An ultrasound scan to detect any new or growing nodules in the liver.
This routine screening allows doctors to detect small tumors (often less than two centimeters) when treatment is most effective and the chances of cure are highest.
Consult with a Liver Cancer Doctor in Singapore
Monitoring for symptoms is a passive approach, while regular screening is a proactive and potentially life-saving one.
If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above or are experiencing symptoms that concern you, it is best to speak with a doctor and healthcare professional. A liver cancer specialist like Dr. Thng Yongxian is able to:
- Assess your individual risk factors, including medical history and lifestyle
- Recommend the right type and frequency of liver cancer screening
- Provide early guidance on treatment options if any abnormalities are detected
Prompt consultation gives you the best chance to detect liver cancer at an early stage, potentially before any symptoms appear. If you are concerned about your liver health or are at higher risk, booking an appointment with a doctor is a critical step toward peace of mind and proactive care.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Thng Yongxian today to assess your liver health and discuss liver cancer screening options.
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