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14 liver damage signs that may indicate liver cancer
Liver cancer is a type of cancer where a malignant tumor grows in the liver. It is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. The symptoms may not show up immediately, but it is crucial to diagnose it early to enable timely treatment and prevent its progression. Hepatocellular carcinoma is recognized as the most common liver cancer type. Below are some signs of liver damage that may indicate the onset of liver cancer. Pale-colored stools The liver is responsible for the production of a substance called bile into the small intestine. In normal cases, this substance causes stools to appear brownish in color. However, in patients with liver damage or cancer, the liver is unable to release bile, causing stools to turn pale. While pale-colored stools may also be indicative of other liver diseases, it is a common sign of liver cancer. Chronic pain Patients with liver cancer typically experience pain in the upper right abdomen, the back, or the right shoulder. This pain is usually dull and persistent and may occur in conjunction with abdominal swelling. Extreme loss of appetite Liver cancer often leads to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, causing one to experience extreme fullness even in case of normal or low food intake.