Symptom 4. Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen: A Discreet Distress Signal
In the vast symphony of body sensations, pain serves as an alarm. A sharp, persistent pain in the upper right section of the abdomen might initially be brushed off as indigestion or a temporary discomfort. Yet, this region houses one of the body’s most vital organs: the liver.
Now, the liver itself doesn’t have nerve endings to sense pain. However, the covering layer, or capsule, does. As hepatocellular carcinoma progresses, the liver expands, stretching this capsule, which results in a consistent, nagging pain.
It’s intriguing how our body compartmentalizes pain. An organ as pivotal as the liver, working behind the scenes, filters toxins, aids digestion, and produces vital proteins. And when it’s in distress, it sends signals in the form of pain.
The intensity of the pain varies from person to person. Some describe it as a dull ache, while others experience sharp, intermittent jabs. The common thread? Its persistence and location.(4)
