What does persistent abdominal pain feel like with liver cancer?

Discomfort linked with the liver may be felt in the upper right abdomen, under the ribs, or sometimes toward the right shoulder or back. It may be a persistent dull ache, pressure, fullness, or tenderness rather than a sharp sensation. Bloating, reduced appetite, nausea, tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stool, or abdominal swelling can occur with liver problems. These signs are not specific to cancer and may have other explanations.

A clinician needs the whole picture, including previous liver disease, medicines, examination findings, and test results. Do not use pain location or quality as a diagnosis.

Seek a medical appointment when the pain persists, returns, or is accompanied by appetite or bowel changes. Note its exact location, whether it follows meals or movement, and any change in urine, stool, skin colour, abdominal size, or energy. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, alcohol use, and known liver conditions. A clinician can choose examination, blood tests, imaging, or specialist review based on these details. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice.

Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, vomiting blood, black stool, fainting, confusion, a rigid or very swollen abdomen, or new yellowing with marked illness. Fever with increasing pain also needs prompt assessment. These warning signs can arise from bleeding, infection, blocked bile flow, or another urgent condition.

Could a liver or gallbladder problem explain this pain? Which changes in urine, stool, or skin colour should I report? What tests are appropriate? Who should I contact if symptoms worsen?