Liver cancer doesn't always announce itself: The early symptoms many people miss - The Times of India

- IN

- US

- GCC

- English

- News

- Health News

- Liver cancer doesn't always announce itself: The early symptoms many people miss

- Small

- Medium

- Large

Silent liver cancer signs you should never ignore

The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the human body. It filters toxins, helps digest food, stores nutrients, regulates metabolism, and supports immunity. Yet, despite its importance, it often suffers in silence.

Liver cancer is now among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The worrying part is that many people do not know they have it until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Unlike some cancers that announce themselves with obvious symptoms, liver cancer can quietly grow for months, sometimes years, before showing clear signs.

According to the latest estimates from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), liver cancer remains one of the major causes of cancer mortality in India, largely because many cases are detected late.

The purpose of understanding these warning signs is not to create fear. It is to encourage awareness, especially among those living with liver disease or carrying risk factors that put them in the danger zone.

Why Liver Cancer often goes unnoticed

One of the biggest reasons liver cancer is diagnosed late is because the liver has an extraordinary reserve capacity. Even when a part of it is damaged, the organ continues performing its functions remarkably well.

Dr Pradeep Krishna R V, HPB Surgeon and Liver Transplant Surgeon at Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru, explained, "Unfortunately, because the liver has a significant reserve capacity, many people will have few to no symptoms during the initial stage."

People living with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) are at a significantly higher risk of developing liver cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that chronic hepatitis infections account for the majority of liver cancer cases globally.

What makes liver cancer particularly dangerous is that the early symptoms often mimic everyday health complaints.

The 'silent' symptoms that people commonly ignore

One of the earliest clues can be unexplained weight loss.

Dr Pradeep said, "The classic symptom is unexplained weight loss or sudden loss of weight. People may also eat significantly less or feel full before finishing their usual amount of food."

Many people blame this on stress, dieting, work pressure, or digestive issues. But when the body starts losing weight without any effort, it deserves attention.

Persistent fatigue is another warning sign. This is not the tiredness that disappears after a good night's sleep. Cancer-related fatigue is deeper. It lingers. It affects concentration, physical activity, and everyday life.

Dr Pradeep added, "Unlike common fatigue, fatigue that occurs during cancer is more intolerable and doesn't go away easily with rest."

Some people also notice a loss of stamina, weakness, and an unusual sense of exhaustion that seems difficult to explain.

The challenge is that these symptoms are extremely general. Most people dismiss them because they can occur in several harmless conditions.

However, if chronic fatigue, appetite loss, and unexplained weight changes occur together, particularly in someone with existing liver disease or a family history of liver cancer, medical evaluation should not be delayed.

When the liver starts sending stronger signals

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more specific.

Pain or discomfort on the right side of the abdomen is among the most common complaints.

Initially, it may appear as occasional heaviness or a dull ache. Over time, the pain can become more frequent and intense.