When can fatty liver become liver cancer? Oncologist reveals 7 signs that you should see a doctor

Fatty liver is the excess accumulation of fat in the liver. An expert answered when fatty liver can become liver cancer.

Fatty liver is becoming very common, with a rampant sedentary lifestyle in contemporary times being one of the major contributing factors. The condition can also go unnoticed in its early stages because it has no obvious symptoms. But can this fat accumulation damage the liver over time and increase the risk of liver cancer? Is there any potential correlation?

What does an oncologist have to say on this? Dr Shashwat Tiwari, consultant surgical oncologist at Kailash Hospital Dehradun, told us that having fatty liver does not mean you will develop cancer, but identifying if it has caused inflammation or scarring is important to be able to understand the risk factors. Dr Tiwari highlighted, “What matters is how the condition progresses and whether it causes long-term damage to the liver.” ALSO READ: Normal weight doesn't always mean a healthy liver: Surgeon explains why Indians in their 20s and 30s are developing fatty liver

Fatty liver is described as an excess accumulation of fat buildup in the liver, and usually this condition is not detected in the early stage because of the absence of any noticeable symptoms. Due to the ‘silent’ nature of this condition, experts often recommend regular screening to detect it in the early stages.

How does a fatty liver progress, and at what juncture can it turn deadly? The oncologist said, “In some people, the fat accumulation can trigger inflammation, leading to a condition called steatohepatitis. If this inflammation continues over time, it can cause fibrosis, or scarring of the liver. In more advanced cases, this may progress to cirrhosis, which significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.”

Fatty liver is pervasive, as Dr Tiwari shared the widespread prevalence of this condition: “Fatty liver is usually a part of MASLD (formerly NAFLD), which affects about 1/3rd of the adult population worldwide. Out of these, about 25% will have MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). In 2021, there were about 42000 new MASH-associated primary liver cancers worldwide wide.”

This goes on to demonstrate the importance of prevention and management of fatty liver. And since it is becoming so common, amid the rise of a stressful contemporary lifestyle, liver cancer risks, relatively, also surge. There is no direct correlation, but fatty liver's progression, especially if it causes scarring, then liver cancer risk becomes prominent.

The oncologist again confirmed, “It is important to remember that this progression does not happen to everyone. Some people with fatty liver may never develop significant liver damage. At the same time, liver cancer can occasionally develop even in people who do not have cirrhosis.”

When should you see a doctor?

Fatty liver which is scarred increases liver cancer risks.

Since there are no obvious ‘alarming’ signs, one needs to pay closer attention and not dismiss anything out of the ordinary. Both fatty liver and liver cancer in early stages do not present with any obvious signs. Because of the liver's regenerative capacity, it keeps functioning in early stages despite damage.Here are some signs, which are mild, but the oncologist tied it to liver-related issues, as the disease progresses:

1. Unexplained weight loss
2. Loss of appetite
3. Persistent pain
4. Discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
5. Abdominal swelling
6. Jaundice
7. Unusual fatigue

Before you begin to worry, these signs do not necessarily mean liver cancer, but they surely prompt a doctor visit. Dr Tiwari noted, “Fatty liver is not a reason to panic, but it should not be neglected either.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.