Enlarged liver

What is an Enlarged Liver?
The medical term is Hepatomegaly. It means the liver is bigger than its normal size. An enlarged liver is not a disease itself, but rather a sign of an underlying problem, such as liver disease, congestive heart failure, or cancer.

The liver is a football-shaped organ located in the upper right portion of your abdomen. Treatment involves identifying and controlling the underlying cause.

Symptoms

An enlarged liver may not cause any symptoms on its own. However, if it is caused by liver disease, you may experience:

• Abdominal pain (upper right side).
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Make an appointment if you have abdominal pain or jaundice. These are signs that the liver is struggling to function.

Causes

Many conditions can cause the liver to swell. They generally fall into three categories:

1. Liver Diseases

• Hepatitis: Caused by viruses (A, B, C) or infectious mononucleosis.
• Fatty Liver Disease: Buildup of fat due to alcohol (Alcoholic) or diet/obesity (Nonalcoholic).
• Cirrhosis: Advanced scarring of the liver.
• Genetic Disorders: Wilson's disease (copper buildup), Hemochromatosis (iron buildup), or Gaucher's disease (fatty substances).
• Obstructions: Blockage of the gallbladder or bile ducts.
• Cysts or Tumors: Fluid-filled pockets or noncancerous tumors (Hemangioma).

2. Cancers

• Liver Cancer.
• Leukemia or Lymphoma.
• Metastatic Cancer: Cancer that spreads to the liver from another organ.

3. Heart & Blood Vessel Problems

Heart issues can cause blood to back up into the liver, causing it to swell:

• Congestive Heart Failure.
• Pericarditis (Inflammation of tissue around the heart).
• Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Blockage of the veins that drain the liver.

Diagnosis

Doctors can often detect an enlarged liver simply by feeling (palpating) your abdomen during a physical exam. They check the size, texture (soft/firm), and for any lumps.

[Image of liver location in human body]

Further Testing

• Blood Tests: To measure liver enzyme levels and check for viruses like Hepatitis.
• Imaging (CT/MRI/Ultrasound): To visualize the liver's size and look for tumors.
• Elastography: A newer MRI technique that maps the stiffness of liver tissue (non-invasive).
• Liver Biopsy: A long, thin needle is inserted through the skin to extract a tissue sample for lab analysis. This is the definitive way to diagnose conditions like cancer or fatty liver.

Treatment

There is no single treatment for "enlarged liver." You must treat the underlying cause:

• For Fatty Liver: Weight loss, diet changes, and stopping alcohol.
• For Hepatitis: Antiviral medications.
• For Cancer: Chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation.
• For Heart Failure: Medications to improve heart pumping ability.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.