Your Body Might Warn You Before Liver Cancer — 7 Alarming Clues

Your body has its own quiet way of letting you know when something’s off — and your liver is no exception. Sometimes the signs aren’t loud or obvious, but they’re there if you know where to look. From unexpected skin issues to a bloated belly, here are 7 subtle red flags your body might be using to signal liver trouble.

CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE OF MEDICAL ADVICE. SEEK GUIDANCE OF YOUR DOCTOR REGARDING YOUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

Bad breath

Fetor hepaticus is a distinct and unpleasant smell on the breath that can appear in people with liver disease. It’s often described as a mix of rotten eggs and garlic. This odor isn’t caused by poor hygiene or dental issues, and brushing or using mouthwash won’t make it go away. It’s not a condition on its own but a symptom of serious liver problems. In some cases, it may even be a sign of liver cancer.

Swollen feet

Liver cancer can put a lot of pressure inside the liver, which makes blood get stuck in the veins. This pressure can push fluid out into the belly, causing what’s known as ascites — a swollen, bloated stomach. Sometimes it also happens because the liver isn’t making enough of a key protein that helps keep fluids where they belong. A tight, bloated belly can be really uncomfortable, make you feel full after just a few bites, and even make it hard to breathe. And when fluid keeps building up, it can start to travel down — causing your legs and feet to swell too.

Your urine looks dark.

Changes in bathroom habits or the color of your pee might point to liver problems. Dark urine or pale stools could mean bile isn’t flowing properly, possibly because of liver damage. Don’t panic, but definitely get it checked.

You have a lump on the right side of your belly.

Some people notice a firm or unusual bump under their ribs on the right side. This might be an enlarged liver or a tumor that you can feel. Any lump that doesn’t go away should always be checked by a medical professional.

Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (Jaundice)

A yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes might mean your liver isn’t working the way it should. This could happen if something is blocking the bile ducts or affecting liver function. Jaundice is never normal, so be sure to get medical advice if you notice it.

You have a fever without a clear cause.

A frequent or long-lasting fever might mean your body is fighting an infection—or, in some cases, cancer. Liver cancer might trigger a high temperature, especially in later stages. If your fever doesn’t come with cold or flu symptoms, let your doctor know.

Dry and flaky skin

Liver problems can mess with your body’s ability to absorb and store important nutrients your skin needs — like vitamin D and zinc. Since the liver helps process and store these, any dysfunction can lead to a nutrient deficiency. And when your skin isn’t getting what it needs, it can become dry, flaky, or irritated. In some cases, it might even start to peel or feel rough to the touch. It’s one of those sneaky signs your liver might be struggling behind the scenes.

Here, you’ll learn how to spot the signs that someone may have problems with their blood sugar levels.