The liver is the largest organ inside the body – located just above your stomach. When its function is disrupted by cancer, it can cause loads of problems around the body – including in the upper body.
Liver cancer can be separated into both primary and secondary liver cancer. Primary liver cancer is when the disease starts in the organ.
It is less common than secondary cancer, which is when cancer moves to the liver from elsewhere.
Whether liver cancer is primary or secondary, the symptoms are still the same.
According to the NHS: “The symptoms are the same if the liver cancer starts in the liver (primary liver cancer) or spreads from another part of the body (secondary liver cancer).”
READ MORE: Princess Beatrice’s ongoing difficulty with ‘muddled’ thoughts swirling in her head
The main symptoms of either type of liver cancer include feeling all-round ill as well as jaundice, which is when your eyes turn yellow.
But liver cancer can also leave you with signs in your upper body.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center explains that a growing tumour can cause unusual sensations in your upper torso.
One of the main sensations is “pain”. This typically occurs in the upper abdomen and around the right shoulder blade.
DON’T MISS
Fortunately, liver cancer can be treated, although often with difficulty. The earlier you can spot the condition the better your chances of recovery.
If you spot symptoms you should visit your GP. They will do basic inspections, such as feeling your tummy or listening to your chest.
The NHS states: “The GP may refer you to see a specialist in hospital for more tests if they think you have a condition that needs to be investigated.”
If you are diagnosed with the disease, treatment may differ depending on the size of cancer, where it is, and your general health.
