If the liver is swollen due to diseases, you may experience pain and discomfort in several areas of the body. The liver is a large organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm. When it becomes swollen, the most common area where pain is felt is the right upper abdomen. This pain can be sharp or dull and may radiate to other parts of the body.
One of the primary areas where you might feel pain is the right shoulder or shoulder blade. This is due to the phenomenon known as referred pain, where pain from an internal organ is felt on the surface of the body at a different location. The nerves that supply the liver also supply the right shoulder area, causing pain to be perceived in that region when the liver is inflamed or swollen.
Additionally, you may experience pain in the back, particularly on the right side. This can happen because the swollen liver presses against surrounding tissues and structures, causing discomfort that radiates to the back. Some individuals might also feel general abdominal pain and discomfort, which can be more diffuse and less localized than the pain in the right upper quadrant.
Furthermore, if the swelling is significant, it may lead to increased pressure in the abdomen, causing a feeling of fullness or bloating. This can result in discomfort and pain throughout the abdominal region.
In summary, when the liver is swollen due to diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis, pain is typically felt in the right upper abdomen, right shoulder or shoulder blade, and the right side of the back. Additionally, generalized abdominal pain and bloating may occur. The discomfort experienced can vary from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause and extent of liver swelling.