Is Ascites a Sign of Liver Cancer? Here’s What You Need to Know

Many people hear the term “ascites” and immediately associate it with liver cancer, filling them with worry. So, is ascites really a sign of liver cancer? 🧐

In fact, ascites is generally not liver cancer. Ascites refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity, which can be caused by a variety of factors. One common cause is liver cirrhosis 💊. When the liver is damaged over a long period, it can progress to cirrhosis, leading to changes in the liver’s structure and function. This can cause increased pressure in the portal vein, which obstructs blood flow and results in fluid leaking into the abdominal cavity, forming ascites. Another cause can be hypoalbuminemia 🥚, where the liver’s ability to synthesize proteins is reduced, leading to lower protein levels in the blood and decreased colloid osmotic pressure, which can also cause ascites.

Liver cancer is a tumor formed by the malignant transformation of liver cells. The development of liver cancer is associated with various factors, such as infections by the hepatitis B and C viruses 🦠, long-term alcohol abuse 🍺, and consumption of food contaminated with aflatoxins. In its early stages, liver cancer may not present any obvious symptoms, but as the disease progresses, symptoms such as pain in the liver area, abdominal bloating, weight loss, and fatigue may occur.