Does a history of chronic alcoholism with abdominal pain, sensitivity, and appetite loss indicate liver cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old male. I fear having liver cancer due to my history of chronic alcoholism. I have a body weight of 90 kilograms and a height of 166 cm. I was a heavy alcoholic for the past four years, with a regular intake of 300 ml. However, I reduced my daily alcohol intake after being diagnosed with grade 1 fatty liver. Currently, I have pain and sensitivity in the upper right quadrant of the stomach. In addition, I have had appetite loss for the past two months. Do these symptoms indicate the initial stage of liver cancer?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

You can reverse back liver damage due to your history of heavy alcoholism. But, first, you should do some basic blood investigations such as CBC (complete blood count), LFT (liver function test), including GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase), AFP (alpha-fetoprotein), hepatitis B and C serology plus ultrasound and fibroscan of the liver (liver elastography).

1. Next, you have to reduce alcohol intake or quit it gradually.

2. Maintain a healthy weight. BMI (basal metabolic index) between 18.5 to 24.9.

3. Take more vegetables and fruits and limit red meat, white bread, rice, and pasta.

Your symptoms are not possible due to liver cancer. However, once the results of the above investigations are ready, I may suggest some medicine to keep your liver and stomach healthy.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.