5. Yellow Skin and Eyes
Individuals who have liver cancer tend to develop yellowing of the skin and eyes as bilirubin begins to enter the bloodstream. This condition is called “jaundice,” and it can be fatal if left untreated.
Bilirubin forms when red blood cells break down. Healthy livers metabolize bilirubin to keep blood levels low. However, when there is an overproduction of bilirubin, jaundice begins to occur. The first signs of the condition appear within 48-hours after liver function declines. Symptoms start to peak 48 to 72-hours after and if not treated, the patient can end up in the emergency room shortly after that.
Symptoms of jaundice can indicate liver cancer, due to a malfunctioning organ that can no longer keep bilirubin levels low in the bloodstream. As we mentioned, the liver is the body’s filter, and disrupting its normal function sees rapid degradation of your health as toxins begin to accumulate in the body.