Liver Cancer Patients In Advanced Stages Experience Gum Bleeding – Here's Why

Gum bleeding is a common symptom observed in many patients with advanced liver cancer, and in some cases, it may even be accompanied by skin or mucous membrane bleeding. This phenomenon typically occurs due to the following reasons:

1. Cirrhosis And Portal Hypertension

A large number of liver cancer patients also suffer from cirrhosis. Cirrhosis often leads to portal hypertension, which in turn causes spleen enlargement and hypersplenism. These conditions result in a significant decrease in platelet count, sometimes dropping below 5×10^9/L or even reaching levels as low as (1–2)×10^9/L. With such low platelet levels, the body's ability to form clots is severely compromised, making spontaneous bleeding—including gum and skin bleeding— more likely.

2. Decline In Liver Function Affects Clotting Ability

In the late stages of liver cancer or cirrhosis, liver function deteriorates significantly. The liver is responsible for producing essential clotting factors, and when its function declines, the production of these factors drops dramatically. As a result, patients are more prone to unexplained bleeding episodes, including from the gums and mucous membranes.

3. Oral Inflammation And Minor Injuries Trigger Bleeding

Gum bleeding can also be triggered by pre-existing oral inflammation or minor injuries caused by brushing teeth. In healthy individuals, such minor issues usually don't lead to noticeable bleeding. However, in advanced liver cancer patients with impaired coagulation, even slight inflammation or trauma can lead to visible bleeding. This is why gum bleeding becomes a noticeable and recurring issue in these patients.