What Causes Unexplained Weight Loss And Extreme Fatigue?

Posted on Sun, 1 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 1 Mar 2015 Answered on

Sat, 28 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My brother in law had a liver scan on Wednesday and was so weak they had to give him oxygen to get thru the test. Then internist admitted him to hospital on Friday night due to his deteriorating condition. Spots were detected on his liver and additional tests like ct scan and petscan are being performed. He has unexplained weight loss and extreme fatigue. Would these symtoms be liver cancer or perhaps Hepatitis C.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Malignancy is a possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

Malignancy is a possibility.
Spots in the liver with unexplained weight loss could indicate either a cancer deposit in the liver with primary cancer elsewhere or a primary liver cancer itself.
A CT scan/PET scan as suggested by his doctor may be done for confirmation.
Hepatitis C and B infections are some of the common causes of liver cancer.

I hope that answers your question.
Please let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D