There are many types of cancer that affect the liver.Primary and secondary cancer can start in the same part of your body.The symptoms are similar.A variety of signs and symptoms may develop as the cancer progresses, even though most people do not experience any symptoms in the early stages.If you suspect you have cancer, you should see your doctor.It is possible for you and your doctor to develop a plan for catching and treating potential cancer early.
Step 1: It's possible for unexplained weight loss.
If you lose a lot of weight in a short period of time, it can be a symptom of a serious health condition.If you lose 5% or more of your weight over a period of 3-6 months without any obvious reason, visit your doctor.
Step 2: You should look for a loss of appetite.
It can make you feel less hungry.It can make you feel full even if you only eat a small amount of food.If you experience a change in appetite or feelings of being full after eating, talk to your doctor.
Step 3: Check for symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
You can feel sick from the cancer.You might have pain in your upper abdomen.Vomiting for more than 2 days is a sign that you should see a doctor.Over a period of more than a month, you will have nausea and vomiting.There is unexplained weight loss and nausea.There is abdominal pain that lasts for a few days.
Step 4: If you have abdominal swelling, you should see a doctor.
Inflammation of the abdomen can be caused by cancer.A build up of fluid in your abdomen causes this swelling.It is possible that your abdomen feels tight to the touch.If you experience abdominal swelling, you should see a doctor right away.
Step 5: Weakness and fatigue should be paid attention to.
If you're tired or weak, that's a sign of a serious condition.If you experience fatigue that lasts longer than 2 weeks with no obvious cause, you should see your doctor.
Step 6: If you notice a change in color, go to the doctor.
Jaundice is a yellow color that can appear in your skin, the whites of your eyes, and delicate areas such as your mouth.It is a common symptom of cancer.You should seek medical attention if you experience jaundice.Jaundice can be accompanied by urine or stools.
Step 7: Make a note of the itching.
There are conditions that can cause your skin to itch.You should go to your doctor if you feel itchy and there is no obvious cause.
Step 8: You can schedule an exam with your doctor.
The first step in getting a diagnosis is to see a doctor.You will be given an exam and asked about any symptoms you are experiencing.Your doctor may ask you about your health history.There are any medications or drugs you are taking.Any family history of cancer.
Step 9: You should get bloodwork to test your function.
Blood tests may be ordered if your doctor suspects you have a disease.The first thing they will look for is general signs ofLiver function.The alpha-fetoprotein may be one of the things they look for in these tests.The presence of AFP in the blood can be a sign of cancer.If you are at high risk for developing liver cancer, your doctor may recommend that you get your blood tested every 6 months.It's important to keep in mind that liver cancer can start anywhere in the body.Your doctor can use the blood test to check for other types of cancer as well.
Step 10: Have the scans done to detect tumors.
If your doctor suspects you have cancer, they may suggest you get some tests done.Diagnostic tests for cancer of the body include mammograms, colonoscopies, and abdominal scans.If you are at high risk for developing cancer, your doctor may recommend having a liver exam every 6 months.
Step 11: You can get a liver biopsy.
A small piece of your liver tissue is taken for a test.A percutaneous biopsy is the most common type.A doctor inserts a long, thin needle through the skin of your abdomen to collect a tissue sample.You can usually go home a few hours after the procedure.There may be some pain at the site.If you have a bleeding disorder, fluid build up in your abdomen, or a possible tumor involving blood vessels, your doctor may recommend an alternative form of biopsy.In which the needle is threaded through a tube into a vein in your neck is called the transjugular biopsy.A few days to a week is how long it takes for the results of the lysis to come back.
Step 12: Discuss treatment options with your doctor.
If the tests show that you have cancer, you will need to have a conversation with your doctor about what to do next.They will most likely refer you to specialists who deal with cancer.You will need to treat the cancer in your body if you have secondary liver cancer.Surgery to remove the tumor is one of the most common treatment options for liver cancer.Localized treatments include heating or freezing the tumors.Radiation therapy is used.There are drugs that are designed to stop or slow the growth of tumors.The focus of the care is to relieve symptoms associated with cancer and treatments.
Step 13: Take a look at your past.
There is a history of other liver conditions associated with hepatocellular cancer.If you have had chronic infections of hepatitis B or hepatitis C, you may be at increased risk of developing cancer.Hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease are examples of an inherited disease.There is a condition in which fat deposits build up in the body.
Step 14: Do you use alcohol?
If you drink too much alcohol, you are at risk of developing a number of diseases.If you are a woman, you should limit your alcohol consumption to no more than 1 drink per day, while a man should only drink 2 drinks a day.If you are dependent on alcohol, you should talk to your doctor about ways to stop drinking.
Step 15: There is a link between diabetes and cancer.
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing cancer.If you have diabetes, you should talk to your doctor about getting monitored.
Step 16: Do you know if you have been exposed to aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are poisonous substances and can grow on nuts and grains.Exposure to aflatoxin can increase your risk of cancer.Aflatoxin exposure is very rare in the US due to food safety regulations, but it can be a risk in other parts of the world.Sticking to major commercial brands of nuts and nut butters will reduce your risk of exposure.The nuts appear to have been thrown away.When working with crops that may be contaminated, you should wear protective gear.
Step 17: Do you have a risk for other forms of cancer?
Secondary liver cancer is the most common form of cancer and starts somewhere else in the body.If you have a high risk of other cancers, be aware that your risk may go up.