A cancer specialist is alerting the public to a subtle yet potentially critical symptom of liver cancer: persistent pain in the right shoulder. This discomfort, which can come and go while leaving the arm feeling normal, is frequently mistaken for exercise strain or poor posture, leading many to overlook it.
Understanding Referred Pain in Liver Cancer
Dr Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist and medical director at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, explains that liver cancer can cause what is known as referred or phantom pain. "The challenge with liver cancer is that symptoms can be very subtle at first, which is why people often ignore them or attribute them to something harmless," he states.
He elaborates: "Liver cancer can sometimes cause discomfort felt in the shoulder rather than the abdomen. This occurs because the liver is situated near nerves that connect to the shoulder, allowing irritation to manifest elsewhere in the body."
Liver Cancer Statistics in the UK
Approximately 6,000 individuals are diagnosed with liver cancer annually in the United Kingdom. According to the British Liver Trust and Liver Cancer UK, the mortality rate from this disease is increasing faster than that of any other common cancer type.
Charities note that only three in ten cases are detected in the early stages, largely because many early symptoms are vague and easily dismissed.
Common Symptoms of Liver Cancer
The NHS lists several symptoms that may indicate liver cancer, including:
- Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue and general malaise
- A lump on the right side of the abdomen
- Pain at the top right side of the abdomen or in the right shoulder
- Indigestion-like symptoms
- Swollen abdomen not related to eating
- Nausea or vomiting
Importance of Early Detection
Jaundice, in particular, signals potential liver issues due to bilirubin buildup and requires prompt medical attention in adults. The NHS advises consulting a GP if symptoms such as an abdominal lump, significant unexplained weight loss, or persistent liver cancer signs worsen or do not improve after two weeks.
"Many of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have liver cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat," the health service notes.
Risk Factors for Liver Disease and Cancer
Several lifestyle factors can elevate the risk of liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. These include infection with hepatitis viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Awareness of these risks and early symptom recognition are crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
