“2 Pains – 1 Yellow”: A Warning Sign Liv.er Can.cer May Be Silently Developing

Liver cancer can arise from everyday bad habits, often without clear symptoms until it’s too late. However, experts emphasize that the body may give early warning signs—if we know what to look for. Among them, the “2 pains – 1 yellow” combination is a trio of key symptoms everyone should watch for to detect liver cancer early.

1. Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen – A Direct Signal from the Liver

The upper right abdomen is where the liver resides. Dull or persistent pain in this area can indicate liver damage, including cancer.

Although the liver doesn’t have sensory nerves, inflammation, swelling, or tumors pressing against the liver capsule can trigger pain, which is felt through surrounding organs. This discomfort may be mild at first, recurring or gradually intensifying.

Many people mistake this pain for digestive issues or stomach problems, causing them to overlook a crucial window for early diagnosis.

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2. Shoulder Pain – An Indirect but Commonly Missed Sign

Shoulder or neck stiffness—especially on the right side—is often dismissed as a muscular issue. But experts say that as a liver tumor grows, it may press against the diaphragm (which lies near the liver) and irritate nerves that extend to the shoulder.

This results in referred pain—a type of discomfort originating from internal organs but felt elsewhere, such as the shoulder. It’s unrelated to posture or joint problems, yet often misinterpreted.

Overlooking this type of shoulder pain may delay liver cancer detection, reducing the effectiveness of treatment.

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3. Yellowing of Skin and Eyes – A Clear Sign of Liver Dysfunction

The “1 yellow” refers to jaundice—the yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes—one of the most noticeable signs that liver function is seriously declining.

When the liver is damaged, it cannot process bilirubin—a waste product in the blood—effectively. This buildup causes the yellow tint in skin, eyes, and even fingernails, and the intensity varies with disease severity.

Jaundice is common in chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It’s a red flag that requires immediate medical evaluation.

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Who Should Be Extra Cautious About Liver Cancer?

According to hepatology experts, certain groups are at higher risk for liver cancer:

• People with chronic hepatitis B or C

• Those who regularly or heavily consume alcohol

• Individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

• Anyone diagnosed with cirrhosis, regardless of the cause

• Patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome

• People with a family history of liver cancer

For these high-risk groups, bi-annual liver screening is strongly recommended to catch abnormal liver changes early.

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5 Habits to Prevent Liver Cancer

1. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is one of the most damaging substances for the liver. Cutting down—or quitting completely—can significantly lower liver cancer risk.

2. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer in Vietnam. Timely and complete vaccination helps prevent infection and chronic liver disease.

3. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of fatty liver disease, which can progress to inflammation, cirrhosis, and cancer. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential.

4. Stay away from tobacco: Smoking not only harms the lungs but also disrupts liver metabolism and increases the toxic load on liver cells.

5. Manage chronic conditions: People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol must follow treatment plans carefully. These conditions can double or triple the risk of liver cancer if left uncontrolled.

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Early recognition of the “2 pains – 1 yellow” warning signs could save your life. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—be proactive about your liver health.