It Might Not Be “Just Fatigue”: Don’t Miss the 7 Warning Signs of Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer!

What Is “Cirrhosis”? A Condition That Progresses Without You Knowing

Cirrhosis refers to a state in which the entire liver has hardened, resulting from repeated cycles of liver cell destruction and repair due to long-term liver burdens (hepatitis B and C viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, fatty liver, etc.).

The liver plays the role of a “chemical factory,” performing important functions including metabolism, detoxification, and bile production. Hardening impairs blood flow and diminishes these functions. Cirrhosis is associated with an increased risk of developing “liver failure” and “liver cancer.”

Warning! 7 Signs from the Liver You Don’t Want to Miss

1．Skin or Whites of Eyes Turn Yellow, Body Itches (Jaundice / Pruritus)

When liver function declines, the body cannot process bilirubin—a breakdown product of old red blood cells—and it accumulates in the blood. This deposits in the skin and whites of the eyes, turning them yellow. Worsening bile flow can also cause intense itching throughout the body. Dark brown urine occurs for the same reason.

2．Unexplained Persistent Fatigue, Weakness, and Loss of Appetite

Declining liver function as the body’s “chemical factory” causes energy shortages and accumulation of harmful substances such as ammonia, leading to unexplained fatigue and loss of appetite.

3．Difficulty Concentrating, Strong Daytime Drowsiness, Hands Trembling Like Wings (Hepatic Encephalopathy)

Ammonia that should normally be detoxified by the liver reaches the brain, causing a condition called “hepatic encephalopathy.” Inattention, disorientation, personality changes, and daytime drowsiness are characteristic. “Asterixis” (irregular hand tremor resembling wing flapping) is a characteristic sign.

4．[In Men] Chest Swelling, Palms Unnaturally Red

Declining hormone regulation function leaves female hormones inadequately broken down, causing breast enlargement (“gynecomastia”) even in men. “Palmar erythema”—where the palms, particularly at the base of the thumb and little finger, turn irregularly red—is also an indicator of declining liver function.

5．Leg Swelling, Severely Distended and Painful Abdomen, Shortness of Breath

Declining albumin synthesis allows fluid to leak from blood vessels, causing “edema” in the legs. Portal hypertension causes fluid to accumulate in the abdomen, producing “ascites” and a sensation of fullness. Fluid accumulation in the chest cavity (“pleural effusion”) causes breathlessness by compressing the lungs.

6．Easy Bruising, Nosebleeds and Gum Bleeding That Won’t Stop

Shortage of coagulation factors produced by the liver reduces blood coagulation capacity, causing bruising to occur easily and bleeding to be difficult to stop. Anemia, often accompanied by thrombocytopenia, causes breathlessness and palpitations even with light activity.

7．Suddenly Vomiting Blood or Passing Black Stool, Visible Blood Vessels on the Abdomen

Portal hypertension causes blood vessels in the esophagus and stomach to enlarge into “varices.” Rupture causes massive hematemesis and tarry stools, requiring emergency treatment. The “Caput Medusae”—blood vessels visibly protruding from the abdomen—is an indicator of portal hypertension.

If You Think “Could This Be Me?”—Never Ignore It!

The 7 signs introduced are important SOS signals. When multiple signs are observed, early medical consultation is necessary. Diagnostic examinations, including blood tests,abdominal ultrasound, CT/MRI, and elastography are conducted.

What We Can Do to Protect Liver Health

Maintaining vigilance for bodily changes and receiving treatment for underlying diseases (viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver damage, MASH) are the fundamental solution. Regular health screenings to monitor liver condition are important. Early detection and early response change the future.