Do liver metastases cause persistent abdominal pain?

The liver itself has limited pain sensation, but a tumour can stretch the capsule around it or affect nearby tissues. Pain may be felt under the right ribs, in the upper abdomen, or sometimes in the right shoulder. It may be dull, aching, or connected with fullness and reduced appetite. The pattern can change with movement, meals, or the position of the body. Persistent pain does not show where cancer started or how extensive it is; imaging and clinical assessment are needed to understand the cause.

Tell your cancer team when the pain began, where it is, how it behaves, and whether it affects sleep, food, or movement. Keep a brief pain diary if useful. Your team may review scans, blood tests, current treatment, and medicines. Pain relief can involve prescribed medicines, treatment aimed at the cancer, or supportive approaches such as positioning and relaxation. Check before taking non-prescription painkillers, especially if you have liver problems or take blood thinners.

Get urgent help for sudden severe pain, a hard or rapidly swollen abdomen, persistent vomiting, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, black stools, vomiting blood, fainting, or new confusion. Contact your treatment team promptly if pain is steadily worsening or is no longer controlled by the agreed plan.

Ask whether the pain could be from the liver, treatment, or another condition; which pain medicines fit your liver function; how to use them safely; and whom to contact outside clinic hours.