A 71-year-old man who had been suffering from poor appetite, persistent skin itching, and a strange bitter taste whenever he ate desserts was eventually diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer after delaying medical treatment.
According to Dr. Chien Cheng-Hung, liver disease symptoms in the early stages are often subtle and easily overlooked. Unusual taste changes, unexplained itching, or skin rashes can all be warning signs. He stressed that anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In a recent health program, Dr. Chien explained that the elderly man initially dismissed his symptoms as minor. However, his appetite significantly declined, and sweets in particular tasted bitter, leaving him unable to eat properly throughout the day. On top of this, he developed continuous skin itching and unexplained rashes between his fingers, though there was no redness or swelling. These symptoms persisted for two months without improvement.
Blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound later revealed abnormal liver function and a tumor measuring 12 centimeters in diameter. The man was ultimately diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. Dr. Chien noted that while such early symptoms are uncommon, they are often associated with liver disease, especially liver cancer, which may begin with subtle taste disturbances, skin changes, or other atypical signs.
He further emphasized that liver cancer can recur even after treatment, making close follow-ups essential. Patients are advised to undergo regular blood tests, abdominal ultrasounds, and CT scans. For high-risk groups, Taiwan’s national health system also offers the “PIVKA-II” test, which can help detect liver abnormalities earlier and improve treatment success rates.
Dr. Chien concluded by reminding the public that early detection and continuous monitoring are key to effective liver cancer treatment. Even seemingly minor symptoms like taste changes or persistent itching should not be ignored, as they may be the body’s early warnings of a serious condition.
