Early Detection of Cancer - Sharpen Your Eyes to Spot the Cancer Demon

Author: Cai Tieyong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Hypoglycemia - A few patients with liver cancer may experience hypoglycemia symptoms, which often occur in the morning and become more frequent as the condition progresses. The mechanism of hypoglycemia in liver cancer is not yet fully understood. Previously, it was thought to be related to the following factors: rapid tumor growth, excessive uptake and consumption of glucose; large tumors reducing glycogen storage in liver tissue, liver damage, and the inability to convert non-carbohydrate substances into liver glycogen. Recent studies suggest that extra-pancreatic tumors may produce an unproven substance structurally similar to insulin. At high concentrations, it can produce insulin-like activity, leading to hypoglycemia. It must be noted that in some cases, hypoglycemia with repeated coma and convulsions may be the first symptom of liver cancer. Patients with unexplained morning coma, dizziness, sweating, or convulsions must be considered for the possibility of liver cancer.
Persistent Diarrhea
As a symptom of liver cancer, diarrhea is rarely recognized but is quite common. A study abroad confirmed that most liver cancer patients had unexplained diarrhea symptoms before diagnosis. The study found that about half of liver cancer patients experienced diarrhea three months before being diagnosed with liver cancer, indicating that diarrhea is a symptom that should not be ignored. The diarrhea in liver cancer patients is non-specific, and stool tests show no abnormalities. The severity varies among patients, with some having more frequent and prolonged episodes, while others have only 2–3 bowel movements per day, lasting for several days, with intermittent attacks. The stool is usually loose or watery, without significant abdominal pain or tenesmus. General antibiotics and antimicrobial drugs offer little help, and anti-diarrheal medications are also largely ineffective. The cause of diarrhea in liver cancer patients is not yet fully understood but may be related to liver damage caused by the tumor. Statistical data show that liver function in patients with diarrhea is worse than in those without diarrhea. However, chronic hepatitis patients and cirrhosis patients also have severe liver damage, but diarrhea occurs much less frequently in them, suggesting other contributing factors. Recent studies propose that it may be the result of certain substances secreted by liver cancer cells, which increase intestinal motility and secretions. Middle-aged men, especially those with a history of chronic hepatitis, should be highly vigilant if they experience unexplained diarrhea and seek medical attention promptly. Currently, ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein tests are considered valuable diagnostic tools for liver cancer. Avoid diagnosing only based on symptoms like intestinal inflammation or dysfunction to prevent delayed diagnosis.
Liver Cancer Manifesting as Fever
Some liver cancer patients may present with prolonged fever, often misdiagnosed as other febrile conditions. The cause of long-term fever in liver cancer patients may be the tumor itself synthesizing or releasing endogenous pyrogens, or it may be due to the tumor infiltrating surrounding liver tissue, causing Kupffer cells (a type of liver cell) to release intralobular pyrogens. This type of fever is ineffective with antibiotics or antipyretics but can be significantly relieved with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs such as indomethacin, etoricoxib, meloxicam, and celecoxib. Fever is a common symptom in cancer patients, known as "cancer fever," and liver cancer patients are no exception, though it is less likely to be the first symptom.
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