How To Manage Swollen Feet In Advanced Liver Cancer Patients

Swelling in the feet is a common symptom experienced by patients with advanced liver cancer. This condition, known as edema, can result from various underlying factors such as hypoalbuminemia and fluid retention. One of the primary causes is the liver's reduced ability to produce albumin, which leads to fluid leaking into surrounding tissues. In such cases, improving liver function, supplementing albumin levels, and using diuretics can significantly help reduce swelling.

In the later stages of liver cancer, the liver often functions poorly and cannot synthesize proteins effectively. This deficiency, combined with increased portal pressure, can cause intestinal swelling and poor nutrient absorption. Patients may also experience cachexia, a condition marked by severe weight loss and muscle wasting, which further worsens hypoalbuminemia. Alongside liver support therapies, providing proper nutritional supplementation is essential to manage fluid retention and swelling.

Another contributing factor to foot swelling is the presence of ascites, or fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. Large volumes of ascites can compress the inferior vena cava, hindering blood flow from the legs and causing lower limb edema. Increased abdominal pressure can also impair kidney filtration, leading to decreased urine output and worsening fluid retention. In such situations, temporary drainage of ascitic fluid may be necessary to relieve symptoms and improve comfort.

It is also crucial to assess the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in cancer patients, as they are more prone to blood clots. DVT can not only cause leg swelling but also pose a life-threatening risk of pulmonary embolism. Using vascular ultrasound to detect clots is a standard diagnostic approach, and if DVT is confirmed, prompt anticoagulant therapy should be initiated.

Managing foot swelling in advanced liver cancer requires a comprehensive approach that includes medical treatment, dietary adjustments, and close monitoring for complications like ascites and DVT. By addressing these issues proactively, patients can experience improved comfort and quality of life.