The Final Three Days: Symptoms of End-Stage Liver Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer

As patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis and liver cancer approach the final stages of life, they often experience a range of severe symptoms. One of the most common signs is a state of unconsciousness or coma, which can be caused by complications such as hepatic encephalopathy. At this stage, individuals may also suffer from recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding, extreme abdominal distension, reduced urine output, electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, and central fever.

Uncontrolled gastrointestinal bleeding is a critical condition during this time. Patients may repeatedly vomit blood or pass black, tarry stools due to upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. This excessive blood loss can lead to hypotensive shock and severe anemia, ultimately impairing brain function and consciousness. In addition, the combination of bleeding and liver dysfunction can trigger hepatic encephalopathy, resulting in confusion, altered mental states, and eventually coma.

As the body begins to shut down, fluid buildup in the abdomen becomes more pronounced, contributing to persistent bloating and discomfort. Kidney function deteriorates rapidly, leading to elevated creatinine levels and further disruption of essential electrolytes. Urine output declines significantly, signaling the onset of renal failure.

Another notable symptom is fever, which can have multiple origins. Cancer-related fever or secondary infections such as peritonitis may cause persistent high temperatures. Additionally, central fever caused by hepatic encephalopathy can result in abnormally high body temperatures that are difficult to manage.

These clinical manifestations reflect the progressive failure of multiple organ systems and indicate the terminal phase of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.