Liver pain originates from the liver area, but not directly from the liver tissue itself. This is because the liver lacks nerve fibers responsible for sensing pain. As a result, actions such as cutting, burning, or compressing the liver tissue do not cause pain. However, the thin tissue layer encasing the liver, known as the liver's capsule, does contain pain fibers. These fibers become activated when the capsule is stretched. Therefore, any condition that causes the capsule to stretch can result in pain. Common liver conditions that lead to capsule stretching include tumors within the liver and liver inflammation, which can occur due to various reasons. Inflammation leads to the accumulation of inflammatory cells and fluid, causing the capsule to expand. Additionally, the ducts that transport bile from the liver to the intestines, along with the gallbladder, are also enclosed by a thin tissue layer that senses pain when stretched. Consequently, issues within these ducts can trigger pain similar to that caused by the stretching of the liver's capsule, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of pain.
