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Symptoms of Liver Cancer |
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Understanding the Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a serious disease, and understanding and recognizing the possible liver cancer symptoms can help lead to earlier detection of the disease. The detection of liver cancer when it is still in the early stages may help to increase the effectiveness of treatment. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we offer advanced tools and treatments to aid in the detection of and fight against liver cancer. Whether you are experiencing symptoms of liver cancer, have been recently diagnosed, or are unsatisfied with the care you've been receiving, call CTCA at 800-615-3055 or Email us. Our Oncology Information Specialists are available around the clock to provide the information and resources you need.
Cancer Prevention
- Get tested regularly by your local doctor.
- Learn how to eat healthy and more about dietary supplements.
- Keep up-to-date on the latest cancer news.
- Contact us if your tests come back irregular.
Liver Cancer Signs and Symptoms
In the beginning stages of the disease, symptoms of liver cancer may not be present. As the disease begins to advance in stages, the possible symptoms of liver cancer may become more apparent. In the early stages, symptoms of liver cancer that may appear can include the onset of fever, an enlarged liver and/or spleen, and enlarged or hardened lymph nodes. These symptoms can also be the result of conditions other than liver cancer. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above, please see your doctor. Only they can determine if your symptoms are the result of liver cancer or another disease.
Symptoms of Advanced Liver Cancer
As noted above, the symptoms of liver cancer often don't become apparent until the disease has progressed. The potential symptoms of advanced liver cancer can include:
- Pain that occurs in the right upper area of the abdomen. The liver is a very nerve rich organ and can be sensitive to changes.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Swelling of the abdomen (ascites).
- Cirrhosis type signs, such as swelling of the breasts in men and palms that are abnormally red in color.
- A sudden propensity to bruise easily.
- Jaundice may occur due to the liver's inability to function properly.
Although these can be potential symptoms of liver cancer, in many cases these are the result of other conditions. However, if you experience any of these possible symptoms of liver cancer, it is important that you make an appointment to see a doctor. Only a medical professional can determine if these symptoms are the result of liver cancer or another medical condition.
Risk Factors
Cancer of the liver is rare in the Unites States. The average onset of liver cancer is 60-70 years old, and it occurs twice as often in men as it does in women. Hepatocellular carcinomas account for nearly two-thirds of all liver cancers, and are closely associated with hepatitis B and C viral infections. People with cirrhosis of the liver also have an elevated risk of developing liver cancer.
Treating Liver Cancer
If your potential symptoms of liver cancer do turn out to be the result of cancer, it is important to educate yourself about the disease and the treatment options available. New advances in cancer treatment methods are being made all the time, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America is passionate about helping people with liver cancer find new hope. We offer conventional, complementary, and alternative therapies that work in concert to help you fight cancer on all fronts.
Conventional liver cancer treatments include:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy, including 3-D Conformal Radiation, External Beam Radiation, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, TomoTherapy HI-ART, and TheraSphere
- Chemotherapy, including Fractionated Dose Chemotherapy and Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy
- Biotherapy (also known as Biological Therapy or Immunotherapy)
- Chemoembolization
- Radiofrequency Ablation
Complementary and alternative liver cancer treatments include:
- Nutritional Therapy
- Pain Management
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Mind-Body Medicine
- Physical Therapy
- Spiritual Support
- Image Enhancement
The combination of conventional, complementary, and alternative treatments is part of CTCA's integrated cancer treatment approach. We understand that the symptoms of liver cancer don't just affect a part of your body. A liver cancer diagnosis affects you as a whole person, and it affects the lives of your loved ones as well. We are committed to giving you the information, resources, and empowerment you need to make informed treatment decisions.
Liver Cancer Treatment at CTCA
From our advanced tools to detect the signs and stages of liver cancer to our comprehensive treatment and aftercare services, CTCA is with you every step of the way. Experiencing the liver cancer signs and symptoms and receiving a diagnosis is frightening, but there is hope. For more information about the treatment options available at CTCA, please call 800-615-3055 or click here to Email us. You can also have a private chat online with a CTCA Oncology Information Specialist.
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