Liver cancer, also known as hepatoma, or hepatocellular carcinoma, afflicts mainly adults, though it is most commonly found in men over 40 years of age. While the exact causes of liver cancer are unknown, there are certain risk factors associated with the disease, including alcoholism, hepatitis and misuse of anabolic steroids.There is no known cure for liver cancer, but preventative measures, such as avoiding alcohol, vaccines against hepatitis B and screening tests for those identified as high-risk are suggested.Learning identify symptoms of liver cancer may enable individuals to seek early help and treatment, which may help to avoid complications such as liver failure or the spread of cancer to other vital body organs.
Instructions
1. Feel your upper right abdomen occasionally in order to make sure you don't feel any odd lumps or bumps. Often, a sign or symptom of liver cancer is the ability to feel a hard lump in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.
2. Take a look at your skin and eyes. Often, liver damage or malfunction causes the skin to take on a yellowish cast, most often known as jaundice. The whites of the eyes may also appear dull and yellow.
3. Be aware of any unexplained weight loss that may or may not be accompanied by a decrease in appetite. Often, abdominal pain may also be felt. Some individuals state that the pain feels like a muscle pull.
4. Watch for any signs of instability such as weakness or trembling that may be an indication of low blood sugar levels in your body. Also watch for increasing headaches, hunger or even sweating.
5. Take your temperature. A fever is a key indication that your body is fighting something.
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