Liver Cancer
The liver is one of the major organs responsible for removing toxins from the human body. Liver cancer is common in Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. In Singapore it is the fourth commonest cancer among men. In early stages of liver cancer, most patients may not have any specific symptoms.
Warning signs
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Weakness and fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal swelling/bloated
- Lump in the abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of eyes (jaundice)
Who are at risk?
- Chronic carriers of Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus
- Those with liver cirrhosis
- Higher tendency for those with Hepatitis B or C related diseases
- Bile duct disease called primary sclerosing cholangiti
- Alcohol abuse can lead to liver cirrhosis and hence increases the risk of liver cancer
What can you do?
- Ultrasound scan every six months
- Blood test (alphafeto protein) every six months
- Get vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine to reduce risk of Hepatitis B infection
- Prevent Hepatitis C by not engaging in unprotected sex, avoid body piercing and tattooing, not abusing drugs or share intravenous drug needles
- Limit alcohol intake to less than one drink a day or avoid completely
All information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with your doctor. Back to Top |
