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What is Hepatomegaly?

Cathy Crenshaw Doheny
Cathy Crenshaw Doheny

Hepatomegaly is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the liver to a size that is much greater than normal. A physician can usually diagnose it by feeling the patient's abdominal area. When the liver is a normal size, its lower edge typically does not exceed the bottom of the right rib cage. This lower border usually can only be felt with the fingertips beyond the bottom of the rib cage when the patient takes a deep breath. If a doctor can feel the edge of the liver any other time, the organ is considered to be enlarged.

The liver is the largest organ in the human body and serves many important functions, including metabolizing food into energy and purifying the blood of poisons. The liver also manufactures a substance known as bile that aids with food digestion. A variety of conditions can affect the liver and cause enlargement.

Alcohol abuse can cause hepatomegaly.
Alcohol abuse can cause hepatomegaly.

One of the most common causes of hepatomegaly is alcohol abuse, which may lead to liver disease. Fatty liver disease can also have non-alcoholic causes. This may happen when fat accumulates in the liver, resulting in inflammation and the formation of fibrous tissue within the organ. Hepatitis A, B and C are viral infections that can also cause enlargement of the liver. Mononucleosis is another contagious infection that may result in liver enlargement.

Congestive heart problems can cause hepatomegaly.
Congestive heart problems can cause hepatomegaly.

Congestive heart failure is a condition characterized by the heart's inability to pump adequate blood to the body. This disease can also cause the liver to enlarge. Hemochromatosis is a disease that results from an excess accumulation of iron in the body, including organs such as the heart, pancreas, and liver. In the liver, this can manifest as hepatomegaly.

Cancer should be considered in the diagnosis of hepatomegaly. Liver cancer is often metastatic, which means it spreads from other parts of the body. Blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, may also cause a swollen liver.

Blood tests may be taken to diagnose hepatomegaly.
Blood tests may be taken to diagnose hepatomegaly.

Symptoms of hepatomegaly can include abdominal pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness. Jaundice, which is a yellow discoloration of the skin, may also be an indication of a variety of liver diseases. Diagnostic tests that may help to identify the cause of an enlarged liver include radiological tests such as an x-ray, CT scan, and ultrasound. Liver function tests, which are simple blood tests, can also be utilized in making a diagnosis. A liver biopsy, a procedure in which a sample of liver tissue is removed by a surgeon and then examined by a pathologist, is sometimes necessary to definitively diagnose the cause of any liver problems.

Discussion Comments

anon135471

What do you mean by mild hepatomegaly with fatty infiltration? If anyone has got an answer please reply.

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    • Alcohol abuse can cause hepatomegaly.
      By: kmiragaya
      Alcohol abuse can cause hepatomegaly.
    • Congestive heart problems can cause hepatomegaly.
      By: unlim3d
      Congestive heart problems can cause hepatomegaly.
    • Blood tests may be taken to diagnose hepatomegaly.
      By: Wojciech Sobiech
      Blood tests may be taken to diagnose hepatomegaly.
    • Individuals with hepatomegaly may experience abdominal pain.
      By: Lars Zahner
      Individuals with hepatomegaly may experience abdominal pain.
    • Several types of liver disease, including steatosis (fatty liver disease), which can cause hepatomegaly.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Several types of liver disease, including steatosis (fatty liver disease), which can cause hepatomegaly.
    • If hepatomegaly is suspected, an individual may have to undergo a CT scan for confirmation.
      By: Konstantin Sutyagin
      If hepatomegaly is suspected, an individual may have to undergo a CT scan for confirmation.
    • An ultrasound on the liver may be performed to check for a hepatomegaly.
      By: Klaus Eppele
      An ultrasound on the liver may be performed to check for a hepatomegaly.