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Can Liver Cancer Cause Jaundice?
By Prashant Baghel
It can be scary to see yellow eyes or skin for the first time. A lot of folks know right away that something is very wrong. People often ask if liver cancer can make you yellow. When the liver isn't working right, it can cause changes in the body that are easy to see.
This article will plainly and simply explain if liver cancer can produce jaundice, why it happens, what it means, and when you should see a doctor.
Getting to Know Jaundice
When someone has jaundice, their skin, eyes, and occasionally the inside of their mouth turn yellow. When bilirubin builds up in the blood, it turns yellow.
When red blood cells break down, bilirubin is generated. A healthy liver takes bilirubin out of the blood and sends it out of the body. When the liver can't accomplish this right, bilirubin levels rise and jaundice sets in.
What Makes It Yellow
The yellow tint is caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. It progressively settles on the skin and in the eyes, turning them yellow.
This alteration is usually simple to see, especially in natural light.
Common Signs of Jaundice
People with jaundice may also have dark urine, pale feces, itching, weariness, and a lack of appetite.
Most of the time, these signs mean there is an issue with the liver or bile.
Is Jaundice Always a Big Deal
There are several reasons why someone could get jaundice, some of which are not very dangerous. A doctor should always check to see what the cause is in adults.
How the Liver and Bile System Work
The liver does a lot of things, but one of the most crucial is breaking down bilirubin. Once bilirubin has been broken down, it moves through tiny tubes called bile ducts into the intestines.
Bilirubin can't flow correctly if the liver cells are damaged or the bile ducts are obstructed. This causes jaundice.
To keep bilirubin from building up, you need a healthy liver and open bile ducts.
Can Liver Cancer Make You Yellow
Yes, jaundice can be a sign of liver cancer. This happens when cancer stops the liver from breaking down bilirubin or inhibits the bile ducts.
Jaundice is more common in advanced liver cancer, but it can also be an early warning depending on where the tumor is.
Bile Ducts Blocked by a Tumor
Bile can't leave the liver if a liver tumor presses on or plugs the bile ducts. This obstruction lets bilirubin leak into the blood.
Jaundice shows up when bilirubin levels go up.
Hurt Liver Cells
Cancer of the liver harms healthy liver cells. When too many liver cells cease functioning properly, the process of breaking down bilirubin slows down.
This liver dysfunction might cause jaundice right away.
Liver Cancer in Its Later Stages
Jaundice is more likely when liver cancer is at an advanced stage. A lot of the liver may be impacted at this point.
This makes it tougher for the liver to do what it normally does.
Jaundice Can Be Caused by More Than Only Liver Cancer
It's crucial to know that jaundice doesn't always signify that you have liver cancer. Jaundice can also be caused by a number of other things.
Common reasons are hepatitis, gallstones, cirrhosis of the liver, liver disease caused by alcohol, and certain infections.
This is why testing is essential to figure out what is wrong.
Signs of Jaundice in Liver Cancer
When jaundice is caused by liver cancer, it usually comes with other symptoms. These indications help doctors figure out how bad the illness is.
Skin and Eyes Turning Yellow
Yellow complexion and yellow whites of the eyes are the most obvious signs. This usually gets more noticeable as time goes on.
If bilirubin keeps to up, the hue may get darker.
Itchy Skin and Dark Urine
A lot of people have severe itching because bile salts build up under the skin. The color of your urine could change to dark yellow or brown.
Stools could be pale or seem like clay.
Tiredness and Losing Weight
People who have liver cancer and jaundice typically feel quite weary. Loss of appetite and weight loss that can't be explained are also prevalent.
As the condition becomes worse, these symptoms frequently get worse too.
When Liver Cancer Causes Jaundice to Show Up
Depending on how liver cancer progresses, jaundice can show up at different times. If the tumor inhibits the bile ducts early, jaundice may show up sooner.
In a lot of situations, jaundice doesn't show up until later, when the liver isn't working well. Its look is often a sign that the liver is under a lot of stress.
At this point, getting medical help right away is really crucial.
How Doctors Figure Out What Causes Jaundice
Doctors start by doing blood tests to see how well the liver is working and how much bilirubin is in the blood. Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI are examples of imaging techniques that can assist in finding tumors or obstructions.
Sometimes more tests are needed to be sure if you have liver cancer and to find out what stage it is in.
Finding the problem early helps you get the right treatment.
What to Do When Liver Cancer Causes Jaundice
The stage of the malignancy and how well the liver works will determine the treatment. The major goals are to stop cancer from growing, ease bile blockage, and make things more comfortable.
Sometimes, surgeries are done to clear obstructed bile ducts. Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or various types of supportive care may be used to treat cancer.
Taking care of jaundice can considerably improve your quality of life.
Why It’s Important to Get Medical Help Right Away
Adults should never disregard jaundice. It is an obvious symptom that the liver or bile system is not working properly.
Even in extreme cases like liver cancer, early evaluation gives doctors more treatment options and better outcomes.
Having Liver Cancer and Jaundice
Having liver cancer and jaundice can be hard on both your body and your mind. Fatigue, itching, and pain may make it hard to go about your everyday life.
Patients do better when they get aid from doctors, family, and caregivers. Controlling symptoms and providing emotional support are very important.
Consult Today
Yes, liver cancer can induce jaundice, especially if it damages liver cells or plugs the bile ducts. Jaundice is a common indicator that the liver is stressed and needs medical help right away. Various things can cause jaundice, but it should always be checked out to make sure it's not something dangerous like liver cancer.
Oncare Cancer Hospital has skilled doctors, contemporary diagnostic technologies, and tailored treatment plans that focus on increasing comfort and quality of life for people with liver cancer and accompanying symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, jaundice can be an early warning in some circumstances, especially if the bile ducts are obstructed.
It usually shows up in later phases, but not always. To find out what stage it is, you need to do the right tests.
Yes, in many circumstances, addressing a blockage in the bile or managing cancer can help lower jaundice.
Yes, adults with jaundice should always see a doctor.
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