Shoulder pain is often blamed on strain, poor posture, or aging — but in some cases, it may signal something far more serious. Health experts warn that unexplained pain in the right shoulder could be linked to liver cancer due to a phenomenon known as referred pain.
Because the liver sits just beneath the diaphragm, tumors can irritate nearby nerves, causing the brain to register pain in the shoulder instead of the abdomen. Unlike typical shoulder injuries, this type of pain may not worsen with movement and can persist despite rest or treatment.
Doctors emphasize that most shoulder pain is harmless — but when it appears without a clear cause or is paired with symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, or digestive changes, it may warrant further evaluation. Early detection remains critical, as liver cancer often presents with subtle or easily overlooked signs.
SOURCE:
Fox News, April 6, 2026