Enlarged Liver - Basic Information

An enlarged liver, medically known as hepatomegaly, is a condition in which the liver expands to an abnormal size. This condition is usually a sign of an underlying health problem such as hepatitis. In severe cases, hepatomegaly can lead to damage and destruction of the liver.

Causes

There are various health conditions that can cause an enlarged liver to develop. Some of the most common factors include; liver disease (cirrhosis, toxic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, etc.), cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, metastasized cancer), and heart issues (pericarditis, blood clots, heart failure, etc.).

Enlarged Liver Symptoms

Hepatomegaly doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when present they may include;

• Liver Pain (felt in the abdominal area)
• Lethargy
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellow skin)

Diagnosis

Your doctor may be able to feel an enlarged liver with a physical exam; however, additional tests will be necessary to determine the cause. These tests may include;

• Blood Work - A blood test can give your doctor an idea of how healthy your liver is by checking the liver enzyme levels. Hepatitis and other diseases can also be detected with a blood sample.
• CT Scan, Radiographs, and MRI - Imaging tests enable doctors to study the liver in greater detail. Tumors and damage can be detected using these types of tests. The exact dimensions of your liver can also be determined.
• Liver Biopsy - A liver biopsy may be ordered so that further testing can be conducted in a laboratory. The sample is taken using an extensive needle that’s inserted through the skin and into the liver.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying problem. For example, if the enlarged liver is caused by cancer, chemotherapy will be part of the treatment. If it’s due to drinking, alcohol consumption needs to be eliminated, and so on. In addition to following your doctor’s recommendations, there are other things you can do at home to improve the health of your liver. Making necessary lifestyle changes and trying new things such as remedies and natural cures is a great start.

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