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what does liver cancer pain feel like
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Cancer Care
Question #15163
45 days ago
72

what does liver cancer pain feel like - #15163

Riya

I am really worried about my dad lately. He’s been feeling super tired and has this weird dull ache in his right side, which got me thinking about what does liver cancer pain feel like. He keeps saying it’s just aging but I can't shake this feeling. Last week, he started having these bouts of nausea and a bit of swelling in his abdomen. The doctors did some tests and talked about possible issues with his liver, but they haven’t given us a clear picture yet. Hearing things like liver cancer gets me anxious, and I can’t help but wonder what does liver cancer pain feel like compared to just normal pain from aging, right? I honestly don’t know much about it, but it’s been hard watching him every day and not knowing if he’s in serious trouble or if this could be something else entirely. Are there certain signs we should be looking for, or do all liver issues feel the same? I mean, does liver cancer pain feel sharp, or is it more of a constant dull pressure? Any insight would really help ease my mind a little. Thanks in advance!

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Doctors’ responses

Liver cancer pain can be a bit tricky to pinpoint because it often starts as a vague, dull ache, much like the kind of discomfort you might associate with aging or other less serious liver issues. It’s most commonly felt in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, but some people also experience it as a sense of fullness or a “heaviness” under the ribs on the right side. Sometimes, the pain can radiate to the back or the right shoulder. It’s usually not sharp in the early stages but tends to become more pronounced and constant as the disease progresses. Beyond pain, liver cancer can cause additional symptoms like unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, persistent nausea or vomiting, and jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin or eyes. The swelling you mentioned, known as ascites, may also be a result of liver dysfunction, not unique to cancer but certainly concerning. It’s good to be vigilant about these signs. The challenge in differentiating liver cancer from other conditions is that many liver issues can cause overlapping symptoms because the liver is responsible for numerous vital functions in the body. It’s important that your dad follows up closely with his healthcare provider for definitive tests and imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to get a clearer diagnosis. In the meantime, managing symptoms by ensuring adequate hydration, a balanced diet low in sodium, and avoiding alcohol can help support liver function while waiting for further medical guidance.

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