Liver pain can be caused by a wide variety of ailments. The pain is felt in the upper-right quadrant, usually underneath the rib cage. Liver pain location may vary slightly, and in some cases can be felt in conjunction with back pain. It can be sharp, but typically is felt as a dull ache.

Liver pain and abdominal pain in general are sometimes confused with each other. For reference purposes on this site, all upper-right abdominal pain is considered as potential liver pain. A doctor or medical professional may be able to determine the difference between particular types of pain in the abdomen, and whether they are related to the liver itself.

Kidney pain is distinguished as it is located below the liver. Pancreas pain is also distinct, as it is underneath the liver, as well.

Other symptoms may accompany liver pain. Some possible additional symptoms may include:

Difficulty breathing; fatigue; eating disorders; itching
Pain when breathing or coughing; or right shoulder pain; swollen testes

A doctor may use some of the other present symptoms to assist in making a diagnosis of the liver pain cause.

There are many potential causes of liver pain. Some possibilities are mentioned below, and you can select one from the list to read more about that particular disease or condition:

Ascites
Bearn-Kunkel syndrome
Chronic hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Dubin-Johnson syndrome
Fatty liver disease
Gallstones
Gastritis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Leukemia
Liver abscess
Liver cancer
Mononucleosis
Pancreatitis
Peptic ulcer disease
Pylephlebitis
Schistosomiasis
Toxic overload
VLCAD deficiency
Weil syndrome

Excessive drinking, or alcohol abuse, is commonly associated with liver pain. However, such pain as a symptom after drinking may also imply another underlying cause (such as hepatitis), which could itself be caused or worsened by the alcohol.

Treatment methods for liver pain varies based on the diagnosis of the underlying cause. You can learn more about the particular potential causes mentioned on this site. Liver pain treatment methods may also include symptomatic options to relieve the pain and other symptoms experienced by the patient.