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Liver cancer is a primary malignant tumor originating in the liver, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common type. It occurs more frequently in people over 40 years old, especially those with a history of hepatitis B infection or long-term alcoholism. The onset is insidious, and early symptoms are mild, which is the main reason many cases are diagnosed at middle or late stages.
Globally, the incidence of liver cancer is significantly higher in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian countries. These regions have high rates of hepatitis B carriers and serious aflatoxin contamination in food, making them high-incidence areas. Liver cancer has a high mortality rate, progresses rapidly, and poses a serious public health burden.
Stage I: Localized tumor, excellent treatment results
Stage I liver cancer usually presents as a single tumor smaller than 2 cm in diameter, without vascular invasion or distant metastasis. Most patients have no obvious discomfort, and the 5-year survival rate can reach 70%-80%. If detected during routine health checks, treatment outcomes are favorable.
Stage II: Mild spread, symptoms begin to appear
In Stage II, the tumor enlarges or multiple small nodules appear, with local vascular invasion. Some patients may experience discomfort in the right upper abdomen, fatigue, and reduced appetite. The survival rate drops to about 50%, but active surgical intervention is still possible.
Stage III: Invasion of major vessels or lymph nodes, obvious signs
At this stage, the tumor may invade the portal vein, hepatic vein, or nearby lymph nodes, with significantly aggravated symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, and rapid weight loss. The 5-year survival rate drops to around 30%, requiring multidisciplinary treatment.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis, extremely low survival rate
Stage IV is advanced liver cancer, where cancer cells have metastasized to distant organs such as the lungs and bones. Symptoms often include severe pain, loss of appetite, and impaired consciousness. The 5-year survival rate is less than 10%, and treatment mainly focuses on symptom relief.
1. Persistent dull pain in the upper abdomen
Early liver cancer may only cause mild discomfort. As the tumor grows and compresses the liver capsule or nearby structures, patients gradually develop dull pain or distension in the right upper abdomen, which worsens with activity or eating.
2. Significant weight loss and decreased physical strength
Noticeable weight loss in a short period is one of the typical signs of liver cancer, especially when not related to dieting or exercise. Reduced strength and easy fatigue are often linked to metabolic abnormalities and tumor-related consumption.
3. Jaundice and dark urine
When the tumor compresses the bile ducts or liver function deteriorates, bilirubin metabolism is impaired, leading to jaundice. The sclera and skin turn yellow, urine darkens, and some patients also develop skin itching.
4. Ascites formation and increased abdominal distension
Liver cancer can cause portal hypertension or reduced albumin synthesis, often resulting in ascites. The abdomen becomes swollen, food intake decreases, and breathing may be affected. In late stages, repeated ascites drainage may be required to relieve discomfort.
5. Gastrointestinal symptoms leading to misdiagnosis
Early stages are often misdiagnosed as stomach disease. Patients may experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or alternating constipation, which mask the primary condition and delay diagnosis.
6. Skin changes such as palmar erythema and spider angiomas
Some liver cancer patients show characteristic skin changes such as reddening of the palms (palmar erythema) or spider-like red spots on the face and neck (spider angiomas), reflecting impaired liver function and estrogen metabolism disorders.
7. Bleeding tendency and coagulation disorders
The liver is the main site for producing clotting factors. When liver function declines, coagulation is impaired, leading to gum bleeding, nosebleeds, skin bruising, and even gastrointestinal bleeding.
8. Night sweats and unexplained fever
Some patients develop night sweats and intermittent fever, which are non-specific symptoms caused by immune system abnormalities or tumor activity, commonly seen in middle-to-late stage cases.
9. Bone pain or chest tightness indicating metastasis
In advanced stages, liver cancer may spread to the bones or lungs. If patients experience localized bone pain, chest tightness, coughing, or hemoptysis, distant metastasis should be highly suspected.
10. Consciousness disorders and hepatic encephalopathy
Severe liver failure or portosystemic shunting can cause hepatic encephalopathy, manifested as behavioral changes, drowsiness, or coma, which are critical warning signs of late-stage liver cancer.
Liver cancer is a highly lethal tumor with non-specific early symptoms, making diagnosis easy to miss. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that high-risk individuals, such as hepatitis B carriers, long-term alcohol users, and those exposed to aflatoxin, should undergo regular liver imaging and serological testing. Once symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, or fatigue occur, vigilance is necessary, and early screening should be performed. Experts highlight that recognizing clinical signs at different stages and applying targeted interventions through combined treatment approaches—especially immune reconstruction cell therapy in coordination with targeted and minimally invasive methods—can significantly prolong survival and improve quality of life.
