'I'm a doctor - these are the four liver cancer warning signs to look out for before it's too late'

-Credit:Getty Images
-Credit:Getty Images


A doctor has highlighted the four most common warning signs of liver cancer. The disease is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the 16th in the UK, with around 6,200 new cases reported annually.

Tragically, liver cancer is often diagnosed too late, SurreyLive reports. So as part of Love Your Liver awareness month this January, people are being urged to pay closer attention to the health of our vital organ.

Liver cancer can be difficult to detect, as it "may not have any symptoms, or they might be hard to spot," according to the NHS. However, one expert has outlined some early warning signs to watch for.

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Taking to TikTok, Dr Zain Hasan said: "Liver cancer is typically detected by accident, not by intention" he said.

"[This] means that usually either your blood test come[s] up abnormally high or during a routine scan, they find some sort of mass and/or a cyst, and they want to go in and take it out. Usually the work-out process includes biopsies, and the treatment is multifactorial."

Dr Hasan picked out four liver cancer warning signs that people should be aware of in order to try and help earlier detection.

Bloating

Dr Hasan first highlighted bloating as a potential symptom. While bloating can be linked to a range of conditions, including ovarian cancer, it's also commonly associated with digestive issues.

Conditions like constipation, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and coeliac disease can all trigger bloating.

Bloating and nausea are among two of the possible warning signals of liver cancer -Credit:Getty Images
Bloating and nausea are among two of the possible warning signals of liver cancer -Credit:Getty Images

Nausea

Nausea was the second symptom Dr Hasan pointed out. However, a single episode of nausea alone isn't a definitive sign of liver cancer.

As the NHS notes, nausea is a common issue that typically resolves on its own. You should reach out to your GP only if the nausea persists for several days or keeps recurring.

Diarrhoea

Dr Hasan also highlighted diarrhoea as a potential symptom of liver cancer. However, diarrhoea can be linked to various common health issues that often resolve on their own. If you're concerned, it's always best to consult your GP for advice.

Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain was the final symptom Dr Hasan pointed out for liver cancer. The NHS notes that this pain is often localized in the upper right side of the abdomen or may radiate to the right shoulder.

The health service also states: "The symptoms are the same if the liver cancer starts in the liver (primary liver cancer) or spreads from another part of the body (secondary liver cancer)," the health service elaborated.

In addition to the symptoms highlighted by Dr Hasan, other signs of liver cancer may include jaundice, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell, similar to flu-like symptoms. A noticeable lump on the right side of your abdomen can also be a red flag.

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