5 symptoms that can be confused with indigestion

Signs of liver cancer can easily be confused with symptoms of indigestion due to their initially non-specific nature.

Although often ignored or attributed to common digestive problems, it is important to be aware of these signs as they may indicate a more serious problem.

Types of liver cancer

Liver cancer can be of two types: primary (which starts in the organ itself) and secondary or metastatic (originates in another organ and, as the disease progresses, also affects the liver).

According to the Ministry of Health, the secondary type is most often caused by a malignant tumor in the large intestine or rectum.

Among tumors that start in the liver, the most common is hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma. Aggressive, occurs in more than 80% of cases.

There are also cholangiocarcinoma (originating in the bile ducts of the liver), angiosarcoma (a rare cancer that originates in the blood vessels of the liver) and hepatoblastoma, a rare malignant tumor that affects newborns and children in the first years of life.

Signs of liver cancer

Firstly, the abdominal pain persistent and inexplicable is a sign that deserves attention.

While indigestion is common and usually goes away after a while, persistent abdominal pain could be an indicator of something more serious, like liver cancer.

Furthermore, the presence of a feeling of fullness or abdominal discomfort after eatingespecially in conjunction with other symptoms such as loss of appetite, warrants medical evaluation.

Another sign that can be confused with indigestion is swelling. When liver cancer is present, the tumor can grow and compress surrounding organs, causing abdominal swelling.

This swelling may be noticeable and progressive over time. Additionally, liver cancer can also cause an obstruction in blood flow to the liver, resulting in increased pressure in the abdominal blood vessels, which contributes to swelling.

In addition to these symptoms, another sign that we should pay attention to is the presence of recurrent nausea and vomiting.

Although these symptoms are common in digestive disorders such as gastritis or acid reflux, they can also occur in cases of liver cancer due to their ability to interfere with the function of the digestive system.

If nausea and vomiting are persistent or are associated with other concerning signs, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), it is important to seek medical evaluation.

It’s important to understand that although these signs may initially resemble indigestion, it’s important not to ignore them, especially if they persist or worsen over time.

What are the common signs of liver cancer?

• pain in the upper right side of the belly or in the right shoulder;
• symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling full too quickly when eating;
• a very swollen belly;
• unusual weight loss;
• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes;
• fever;
• darker pee and lighter poop;
• loss of appetite;
• a lump on the right side of the abdomen.

What causes liver cancer?

Several factors can contribute to the development of liver cancer.

The main cause is chronic liver damage, often related to excessive alcohol consumption, chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Additionally, exposure to environmental toxins, such as aflatoxins present in certain mold-contaminated foods, and smoking can also increase the risk of liver cancer.

Other risk factors include obesity, type 2 diabetes, liver cirrhosis and a family history of liver cancer.