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Shoulder Pain: A Hidden Liver Cancer Sign?
14 Feb
Summary
- Nerve pain in the right shoulder can signal liver cancer.
- Referred pain occurs when discomfort is felt distant from the source.
- Liver disease is a silent killer, increasing in the UK.
Pain in the right shoulder or upper right abdomen may indicate liver cancer, as noted by the NHS. This discomfort can be a form of referred pain, where an issue in the liver causes pain felt elsewhere, such as the shoulder blade. An enlarged liver from a growing tumor can stimulate nerves connected to the shoulder area, leading the brain to interpret this as shoulder pain.
Liver disease is described as a 'silent killer' on the rise in the UK, contributing to over 11,000 deaths each year. Liver cancer also has a high mortality rate, with only 13% of patients surviving for five years or more. Many cases are diagnosed late, with only three in 10 detected at an early stage.
Risk factors for liver cancer include underlying liver disease, such as cirrhosis. While not always preventable, healthier lifestyle choices recommended by the NHS can reduce the risk. Symptoms can be mild and easily missed, making it vital for anyone experiencing fresh or worsening signs, especially if they have existing liver complaints, to consult a GP.
