Does early-stage liver cancer cause yellowing of the skin?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on May 27, 2025
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In the early stages of liver cancer, generally, the skin does not turn yellow. This is because jaundice, which causes the skin to yellow, occurs in liver cancer patients due to the presence of jaundice. The causes of jaundice in liver cancer patients mainly consider two aspects. The first reason is due to the lesions of liver cancer, which damage liver cells and cause liver function damage, thereby causing jaundice. Another reason is due to significant liver lesions that compress the bile ducts and intrahepatic bile ducts, causing obstructive jaundice. Therefore, the appearance of jaundice is often a clinical manifestation of late-stage liver cancer. In the early stages of liver cancer, the lesions are generally small, causing only mild damage to liver function. Moreover, in most cases, it does not cause compression or obstruction in the biliary system, thus not leading to obstructive jaundice. Therefore, yellowing of the skin does not occur in the early stages.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
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What should I do if I have liver cancer and a fever of 38 degrees Celsius?

Liver cancer patients experiencing a fever of 38°C can be seen in the following scenarios: The first type is tumor-related fever. In liver cancer patients, especially those in the advanced stages or with large tumors, a fever of around 38°C can occur in the absence of infection symptoms. This tumor fever is related to various mediators released into the blood by the tumor. The second type is infectious fever. Cancer patients undergoing anti-tumor treatment may experience immunosuppression and concurrent infections. This type of fever often exceeds 38.5°C but can also occur around 38°C in the early stages, often accompanied by symptoms of infection such as coughing, sputum production, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The third type is treatment-related fever. Patients with liver cancer may experience a fever of around 38°C on the day of and several days following interventional treatments.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
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How does an ultrasound show early-stage liver cancer?

Liver cancer can be detected in its early stages through Doppler ultrasound examination, which may reveal single or multiple abnormal masses within the liver. These masses often vary in size and have irregular edges, with blood flow signals inside. If liver cancer is suspected from the Doppler ultrasound, further examination with an abdominal CT or MRI can provide more detailed information about the lesions to aid in judgment. A definitive diagnosis relies on surgical removal or percutaneous liver biopsy to obtain local tissue for pathological confirmation. Patients with early-stage diagnosed liver cancer should undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible, and those who can have radical resection generally have a better prognosis.

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Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
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Can primary liver cancer patients eat eggs?

Patients with primary liver cancer can also eat eggs, as there are no specific prohibitions against it. Eggs are a high-protein food. While many people worry that eating eggs might increase the burden on the liver, there is actually no need for concern. If a patient has a good appetite and can eat well, consuming some eggs to increase protein intake can help enhance body resistance and support antitumor treatment. In addition to eggs, liver cancer patients should also consume other high-quality proteins such as fish and protein powder. These are all beneficial. Of course, the choice should also be based on the patient's own preferences. Additionally, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and eat fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
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Does primary liver cancer have a genetic basis?

Primary liver cancer is generally not certain to be hereditary, but it may be somewhat related to genetics. For example, there are often phenomena of family and regional clustering of liver cancer. Current research believes that primary liver cancer, commonly referred to as liver cancer, is the result of a combination of factors, closely associated with hepatitis virus infection, aflatoxin infection, and contaminated drinking water. Common scenarios include hepatitis B virus infection leading to hepatitis B followed by cirrhosis, which can further develop into primary liver cancer. Also, long-term alcohol abuse leading to alcoholic cirrhosis can also result in liver cancer.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What's going on with the facial swelling in the late stage of liver cancer?

Patients with advanced liver cancer may experience facial swelling, which can be attributed to the following reasons: Firstly, patients with advanced liver cancer often show significant disease progression and may develop complications associated with hepatorenal syndrome. Clinically, this can manifest as reduced urine output, anuria, and even renal impairment, leading to facial swelling. Secondly, in patients with advanced liver cancer, there may be metastasis to cervical lymph nodes. Enlarged lymph nodes can compress or invade surrounding structures, leading to superior vena cava syndrome. Once this syndrome occurs, patients may experience swelling in the face and neck, and some may even face severe breathing difficulties. Lastly, some patients with advanced liver cancer may experience renal damage due to the toxic side effects of antitumor treatments or medications. Clinically, this can lead to increased levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, reduced urine output, and hypoproteinemia, which may also result in facial swelling.