18. Decreased Appetite: When Food Loses Its Appeal
A decreased appetite is another common symptom experienced by liver cancer patients, which can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and a decline in overall health. The causes of a reduced appetite in liver cancer patients can be multifaceted, including the tumor’s impact on the liver’s function, the side effects of cancer treatments, or the presence of other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
It’s essential to monitor changes in appetite and consult with a healthcare professional if you experience a persistent or significant decrease in your desire to eat, as it could indicate the progression of liver cancer or another serious underlying issue. A medical evaluation can help determine the cause of the decreased appetite and recommend appropriate interventions to address the issue and ensure proper nutrition.
Interventions to manage a decreased appetite in liver cancer patients may include nutritional counseling, adjustments to cancer treatments, or medications to help stimulate appetite and improve overall nutrient intake. In some cases, the use of liquid nutritional supplements or enteral feeding (tube feeding) may be necessary to ensure adequate caloric intake and prevent malnutrition. It’s also essential to consider personal food preferences and experiment with different meal options, textures, and flavors to help encourage eating and maintain a healthy appetite. (18)
