Chapter 2: Other Early Signs That Should Not Be Ignored
Liver cancer is often called a "silent disease" because symptoms may not appear until the condition has progressed. Even when symptoms develop, they can be vague and easily mistaken for other health issues.
Some of the most frequently reported symptoms include unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly after eating, unusual fatigue, nausea, and pain in the upper right abdomen. Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, and abdominal swelling may also occur.
Research has documented unusual cases in which persistent right shoulder pain was the first noticeable symptom that eventually led doctors to discover liver cancer. These reports highlight why ongoing pain without an obvious orthopedic cause should not be ignored, particularly when accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
It is important to remember that shoulder pain alone is far more likely to result from muscle strain, tendon injuries, arthritis, or posture-related problems than from liver cancer. Nevertheless, persistent symptoms deserve professional evaluation.
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