Liver cancer originates in the cells of your liver, most often within the hepatocytes cells, leading to a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. A cancer diagnosis is something that everyone dreads. Liver cancer, like other cancer types, has better survival rates if you catch it and begin treatment early. The easiest way to detect cancer early is to know the following warning signs:

1. Losing weight without trying
Is the scale going down regardless of what you eat? That can be an early warning sign of liver cancer. Liver cancer can cause weight loss without any change in diet. It can also cause you to feel very full after a small meal and cause general loss of appetite. These can also be symptoms of other things so if you are losing weight for no reason see a doctor to find out what is wrong.

2. Upper abdominal pain and swelling
If you have pain in your upper abdomen it’s probably heartburn. If it’s persistent and won’t go away it might be a symptom of liver cancer. One of liver cancer’s early symptoms is upper abdominal pain and swelling. The growth of cancer can cause pain all by itself, but typically the pain is caused by the fact that your liver is having trouble with it’s part in the digestive process.

3. General fatigue
If you are bone-deep tired and you just can’t shake it, you should see a doctor because it can be a symptom of a lot of things. However, it can be a sign of liver cancer especially with some of these other symptoms. Liver cancers can release toxic compounds interfering with how other cells are functioning. It can also cause anemia especially if cancer enters the bone marrow. So tiredness is nothing a lot of times, but it can also be a symptom

4. Jaundice
This can be one of the scariest symptoms of liver cancer. Your eyes and body change to a different color. It can be both shocking and sudden. If you are experiencing yellowing of the eyes and skin that is potentially a sign of liver cancer. Even if it’s not jaundice is a symptom that something is wrong with your liver and you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

5. White or chalky stools
One of the main jobs of the liver is to produce bile. Bile’s main job is to break down fatty acids, but it also is the reason your stools are brown. White or chalky stools mean that your liver is producing little or no bile. This can be a sign of liver cancer. This is also a symptom that should be immediately evaluated by your doctor because even if it’s not cancer it is a sign that something is wrong with your liver.

6. Nausea and vomiting
Being sick to your stomach can have a lot of causes. Your liver is involved with your digestion so problems with your liver can also cause nausea and vomiting. Your liver is a giant filter for toxins and if it’s not working properly those toxins can get into your system causing this unpleasant symptom. Unexplained nausea should always be checked out by your doctor.

Liver cancer rates have tripled in the last few decades, but your chances of getting liver cancer are still pretty rare. Keep an eye on any symptoms and see your doctor if you think you might have a reason to.