2. Abdominal swelling
Liver cancer typically produces one large tumor that creates inflammation and swelling of the organ. Affected individuals may notice signs of swelling on the right side of their abdomen as cancer cells begin to grow. Tumors may protrude through the outer wall of the liver, producing a mass that’s firm to the touch.
The additional inflammation of the liver causes it to expand, creating swelling. However, overweight or obese individuals may not notice the swelling due to adipose tissue. Those people that do discover the swelling can confuse it with bloat or other gastrointestinal issues that create swelling in the GI tract.
However, other conditions, such as a fatty liver, can also cause the liver to swell beyond its standard size. Liver damage almost always produces some symptoms of pain that accompany the swelling as well. Therefore, it’s vital to see a doctor as soon as you can after noticing signs of abdominal swelling.