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Liver cancer: A swollen tummy may indicate the disease

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There is no cure for cancer yet, which is why spotting the symptoms is important, especially when it comes to liver cancer among the other types. A new report reveals an indicator may be in the size of a person’s tummy.

Express reports that a swollen tummy may be a symptom of liver cancer. The swollen tummy may also be painful, according to Cancer Research UK. Liver cancer may cause the tummy to swell as the liver also gets bigger from the cancer. It could also cause some swelling on the right side of the abdomen. Another possible reason for a swollen tummy being a symptom of liver cancer is that the cancer may be adding pressure to the liver, resulting in the blood backing up inside the vessels.

The blood would end up getting forced out of the veins and into the abdomen, which is a process referred to as ascites. However, ascites can also happen if the liver is not producing enough blood protein for the body.

It is worth keeping in mind that symptoms of liver cancer may overlap with other, more common conditions, like an infection. So, it is still best to consult a doctor if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms.

There is no definite way of knowing what causes liver cancer, but it is mostly attributed to lifestyle changes among many other factors. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of liver cancer so it is important to keep healthy andl lose weight if necessary. Heavy consumption of alcohol can also increase the risk, so it is best to drink in moderation.

Another symptom of liver cancer may be found in excrement. Express previously reported that white, chalky stools may indicate liver cancer. This would indicate that the liver is not producing enough bile, which is usually what turns stools varying shades of brown. Bile duct issues may result in stools looking pale or chalky in color.

However, like with any other symptoms or conditions, the color of the stool is a direct result of the food one eats or the medications one takes. It is still advised to consult a doctor in case this happens to be properly diagnosed.

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