Why is liver cancer late stage and silent? What is the key to early detection?

Liver cancer is a ferocious tumor that can cause serious health problems, especially in the late stages. However, what is worrying is that many patients with advanced liver cancer often have no obvious symptoms, which allows the disease to escape early detection when it develops.

Why is there often no symptoms in late-stage liver cancer?

Liver cancer usually does not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This is because the liver is a relatively silent organ and does not cause strong discomfort like other organs. However, in the advanced stages of liver cancer, some symptoms may gradually appear, such as:

1. Abdominal discomfort: including abdominal pain, bloating, etc.

2. Loss of appetite: Patients may feel nausea, vomiting or vomiting.

3. Weight loss: Weight loss without obvious reason may be a sign of advanced liver cancer.

4. Fatigue and weakness: Late-stage liver cancer may cause decreased physical strength and frequent fatigue.

However, these symptoms are not obvious and may resemble other medical conditions, so they can be easily overlooked.

How to detect liver cancer early?

Catching liver cancer early is key because treatment success rates are higher in the early stages, when the tumor has not spread to other parts of the body. Here are some ways to help spot signs of liver cancer earlier:

1. Regular physical examinations: Regular physical examinations can help doctors detect abnormalities in the body early. Blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, etc. can help detect changes in the liver.

2. Screening of high-risk groups: People who suffer from long-term alcoholism, hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc. are more likely to develop liver cancer, so they should be screened regularly.

3. Pay attention to physical signs: If you experience abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, weight loss, or other abnormalities, you should seek medical attention for further examination.

4. Follow doctor's advice: If you have been diagnosed with liver disease, you should see a doctor regularly, receive treatment and have follow-up examinations as recommended by the doctor.

Lifestyle to prevent liver cancer

In addition to early detection, prevention of liver cancer is equally important. Here are some lifestyle tips to reduce the risk of liver cancer:

1. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Long-term heavy drinking and smoking will increase the risk of liver cancer and should be avoided or reduced as much as possible.

2. Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet, eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc., and reduce the intake of high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar foods.

3. Control your weight: Avoiding obesity is very important for preventing liver cancer and other chronic diseases.

4. Vaccination: Vaccines against the hepatitis B virus can help prevent liver cancer.

In short, liver cancer often has no obvious symptoms in the late stage, so early detection is particularly important. Regular physical examinations, screening of high-risk groups, and paying attention to changes in physical signs can help detect signs of liver cancer earlier. In addition, through a healthy lifestyle, you can also reduce the risk of liver cancer and maintain your health.