Unexplained Shoulder Pain Could Signal Dangerous Liver Condition

Experts warn that persistent right shoulder pain may be a sign of liver cancer.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:33am

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Unexplained right shoulder pain could be a sign of liver cancer due to referred pain from the liver, according to medical experts. While shoulder pain is often caused by orthopedic issues, it can also be a symptom of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer. Doctors say the liver sits high in the right upper abdomen, and if a liver tumor grows large enough or is positioned in a way that stretches the liver's outer covering or irritates the diaphragm, it can trigger nerves that make the brain interpret the pain as coming from the right shoulder or shoulder blade.

Why it matters

Recognizing unexplained shoulder pain as a potential sign of liver cancer is important, as the disease often presents with vague, non-specific symptoms that are easy to overlook. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, so it's vital for people to seek medical attention if they experience persistent shoulder pain that doesn't fit the typical pattern of an orthopedic issue.

The details

According to Dr. Mark Ashamalla, chief of radiation oncology at Episcopal Health Services in New York, pain in the right shoulder blade has been linked to early signs of liver cancer. He explained that the liver sits high in the right upper abdomen, just under the diaphragm, and if a liver tumor grows large enough or is positioned in a way that stretches the liver's outer covering or irritates the diaphragm, it can trigger nerves in that area. The brain then misinterprets those signals and 'feels' the pain in the right shoulder or right shoulder blade, even though the problem lies in the liver.

  • Unexplained shoulder pain can be an early symptom of liver cancer.

The players

Mark Ashamalla, MD

Chief of radiation oncology at Episcopal Health Services in New York.

American Cancer Society

Has linked right shoulder blade pain to early signs of liver cancer.

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What they’re saying

“The problem is in the liver, but the body's nerve wiring makes the pain show up in the shoulder.”

— Mark Ashamalla, MD, Chief of radiation oncology

What’s next

People should seek medical attention if their unexplained shoulder pain meets certain criteria, such as being persistent, not clearly triggered by arm movements, and accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, poor appetite, nausea, fatigue, abdominal fullness, or jaundice.

The takeaway

Unexplained shoulder pain, especially when accompanied by other vague symptoms, should not be ignored, as it could be an early warning sign of a serious underlying condition like liver cancer. Recognizing this potential connection is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.