Learn About Enlarged Liver

What is the definition of Enlarged Liver?

Enlarged liver refers to swelling of the liver beyond its normal size. Hepatomegaly is another word to describe this problem.

If both the liver and spleen are enlarged, it is called hepatosplenomegaly.

What are the alternative names for Enlarged Liver?

Hepatosplenomegaly; Enlarged liver; Liver enlargement

What is some background information about Enlarged Liver?

The lower edge of the liver normally comes just to the lower edge of the ribs on the right side. The edge of the liver is normally thin and firm. It cannot be felt with the fingertips below the edge of the ribs, except when you take a deep breath. It may be enlarged if a health care provider can feel it in this area.

What are the causes of Enlarged Liver?

The liver is involved in many of the body's functions. Its function is affected by many conditions that can cause hepatomegaly, including:

  • Alcohol use (especially alcohol abuse)
  • Cancer metastases (spread of cancer to the liver)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Glycogen storage disease
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Hereditary fructose intolerance
  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • Leukemia
  • Niemann-Pick disease
  • Primary biliary cholangitis
  • Reye syndrome
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Sclerosing cholangitis
  • Portal vein thrombosis
  • Steatosis (fat in the liver from metabolic problems such as diabetes, obesity, and high triglycerides, also called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH)
When should I contact a medical professional for Enlarged Liver?

This condition is most often detected by a provider. You may not be aware of the liver or spleen swelling.

What should I expect during a doctor appointment?

The provider will examine you and ask questions such as:

  • Did you notice fullness or a lump in the abdomen?
  • What other symptoms do you have?
  • Is there any abdominal pain?
  • Is there any yellowing of the skin (jaundice)?
  • Is there any vomiting?
  • Is there any unusual-colored or pale-colored stools?
  • Has your urine appeared to be darker than usual (brownish)?
  • Have you had a fever?
  • What medicines are you taking including over-the-counter and herbal medicines?
  • How much alcohol do you drink?

Tests to determine the cause of hepatomegaly vary, depending on the suspected cause, but may include:

  • Abdominal x-ray
  • Abdominal ultrasound (may be done to confirm the condition if the provider thinks your liver feels enlarged during a physical exam)
  • CT scan of the abdomen
  • Liver function tests, including blood clotting tests
  • MRI scan of the abdomen
Who are the top Enlarged Liver Local Doctors?
Family Medicine
Family Medicine

Petoskey Family Medicine, P.C.

1890 S Us Hwy 131 3, 
Petoskey, MI 
 9.6 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Scott Hotchkiss is a Family Medicine provider in Petoskey, Michigan. Dr. Hotchkiss and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Enlarged Liver. His top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Sciatica, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Dr. Hotchkiss is currently accepting new patients.

Mclaren Northern Michigan

416 Connable Ave, 
Petoskey, MI 
 11.1 mi

Janean Haggins-Dabney is an Internal Medicine provider in Petoskey, Michigan. Dr. Haggins-Dabney and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Enlarged Liver. Her top areas of expertise are Pneumonia, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), Pleurisy, Ureteroscopy, and Endoscopy.

 
 
 
 
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Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
560 W Mitchell St, Suite M40, 
Petoskey, MI 
 11.1 mi
Accepting New Patients

James Doull is a Gastroenterologist in Petoskey, Michigan. Dr. Doull and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Enlarged Liver. His top areas of expertise are Lower Esophageal Ring, Benign Esophageal Stricture, Ulcerative Colitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Doull is currently accepting new patients.

What are the latest Enlarged Liver Clinical Trials?
Phase 2 Study of Ruxolitinib in Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome and Primary Eosinophilic Disorders

Summary: This phase II trial studies how well ruxolitinib works in treating patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome or primary eosinophilic disorders.

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French Observatory for Patients with Type 3 Glycogenosis

Summary: Glycogen storage disease type III (GSD-III) or Cori/Forbes disease, is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the AGL gene, which codes for the glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE) involved in the release of glucose-1P from glycogen branches. Abnormal glycogen accumulation is responsible for frequent hypoglycaemia and symptoms in the liver and striated muscles (GSD-IIIa), although some patients p...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 02, 2023
Published By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Martin P. Approach to the patient with liver disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 137.

Plevris J, Parks R. The gastrointestinal system. In: Dover AR, Innes JA , Fairhurst K, eds. Macleod's Clinical Examination. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 6.

Squires JE, Balistreri WF. Manifestations of liver disease. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 382.