10 early symptoms of liver tumours and ways to lower your risk

Symptoms of liver tumour: Symptoms like abdominal discomfort, fatigue and weight loss may seem minor, but they could point to something more serious happening inside the liver (Image: Canva)

Liver tumours often start silently but progress rapidly if ignored. As one of the body’s most vital organs, the liver plays a crucial role in filtering toxins, aiding digestion, and maintaining energy levels. When a tumour develops, whether benign or malignant, it can quietly disrupt these functions before more obvious signs appear.

Early recognition makes a huge difference in outcomes. “Many patients don’t realise they’re at risk until symptoms become severe,” says Dr Pavan Hanchanale, Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician,  Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. “The liver works tirelessly to filter toxins, aid digestion and maintain energy levels. But when a tumour begins to grow, this vital organ struggles,” he says.

Studies suggest that the early symptoms of liver tumours are often subtle or mistaken for common digestive issues. “Symptoms like abdominal discomfort, fatigue and weight loss may seem minor, but they could point to something more serious happening inside the liver,” Dr Hanchanale adds.  Knowing what to watch for can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment.

Also read | Add these 10 liver-friendly foods to your daily diet to fight fatty liver disease

Dr Hanchanale shares 10 early symptoms of liver tumours you shouldn’t ignore:

• Notice abdominal discomfort: A dull ache or persistent pain on the upper right side of your abdomen could signal liver trouble. Dr Hanchanale says this happens because the growing tumour stretches the liver capsule or presses against nearby organs.

• Monitor unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying sounds like a dream, but in this case, it’s a red flag. “If you’ve dropped more than 5–10 percent of your body weight in six months without reason, get evaluated,” advises Dr Hanchanale.

• Watch out for appetite changes: Feeling full too quickly or simply not wanting to eat could be linked to inflammation or the tumour pressing on your stomach, making regular meals difficult.

• Track chronic fatigue: This isn’t normal tiredness. It’s a constant, deep-seated exhaustion that rest won’t fix. Liver dysfunction affects energy metabolism, leaving you drained and weak all day.

• Don’t ignore nausea and vomiting: Persistent nausea or sudden bouts of vomiting could indicate that your liver isn’t detoxifying properly, allowing toxins to affect your digestion and brain function.

• Spot yellow skin or eyes: Jaundice is one of the more visible signs. “Yellowing of the skin and eyes means the liver isn’t processing bilirubin efficiently,” explains Dr Hanchanale.

• Check for belly swelling: A bloated, visibly enlarged abdomen could be a sign of fluid build-up (ascites), often due to poor liver function or tumour-related blood flow obstruction.

• Take note of unexplained fever: While not always present, persistent low-grade fever could be the result of the body’s immune response to a tumour or related infections.

• Feel for skin itching: Itchy skin, especially on hands, feet, arms or legs, may indicate that bile salts are building up in the bloodstream, thanks to impaired liver function.

• Notice any abdominal mass: Sometimes a liver tumour grows large enough to feel as a lump under the ribcage. Dr Hanchanale recommends immediate imaging tests if this happens.

Prevention starts with protecting your liver from chronic damage. Dr Hanchanale advises getting vaccinated for hepatitis B, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and going for regular liver check-ups if you’re at higher risk. “Early detection saves lives. Screening every six months can help us catch tumours before they turn aggressive,” he stresses.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.