A medical condition in which the liver becomes enlarged (more than it is normal) is called hepatomegaly. Healthcare providers consider hepatomegaly a health problem rather than a disease. In most cases, an enlarged liver is a symptom of other diseases including liver disease, congestive heart failure, or cancer. The treatment usually involves medicines and procedures that help to treat the underlying condition.
Symptoms
Sometimes, hepatomegaly does not provoke any symptoms but when it occurs due to liver disease, you may experience the following symptoms. Examples include:
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.
Causes
A large organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen is called the liver. The size of the liver varies among people with age, sex, and body size. However, there are different health conditions that can provoke an enlarged liver. Examples include:
Liver Diseases
- Hepatitis (which is caused by a virus such as hepatitis A, B, and C or caused by infectious mononucleosis)
- Nonalcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Cirrhosis
- Amyloidosis (a disease in which abnormal proteins begin to build in the liver)
- Wilson’s disease (a genetic condition in which copper starts to build in the liver)
- Hemochromatosis (this disorder provokes iron accumulation in the liver)
- Gaucher’s disease (a condition in which certain fatty substances tend to build in the liver)
- Liver cysts (fluid-filled pockets that appear in the liver)
- Benign (noncancerous) liver tumors (such as hemangioma and adenoma)
- Gallbladder or bile duct obstruction
- Toxic hepatitis
Cancers
- A cancer that starts in other body parts and spreads to the liver (metastasizes)
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
Blood Vessel and Heart Disease
- Heart failure
- Pericarditis (this condition occurs when tissue that surrounds the heart becomes inflamed)
- Budd-Chiari syndrome (a disease in which a blockage occurs in the veins that drain the liver)
Risk Factors
People who have liver disease are more prone to develop an enlarged liver. However, the following factors could elevate your risk of getting hepatomegaly. Examples include:
- Misuse of alcoholic drinks – Heavy alcohol drinking can damage the liver and provoke hepatomegaly.
- Increased large amounts of medications, vitamins, or supplements – People who administer large disease of vitamins, supplements, or prescription or nonprescription medications are at higher risk of liver damage. For instance, an overdose of Acetaminophen is one of the most common causes of acute liver failure in the U.S. Thus, it is advised to read the label of the medicines you are using and you should look for Acetaminophen, Acetam, or APAP. However, you should consult with your doctor before taking any medicines, supplements, or over-the-counter medicines.
- Herbal supplements – The risk of liver damage can also elevate some supplements including black cohosh, ma huang, and valerian.
- Infections – The following infections also can provoke liver damage. For example infectious diseases (such as viral, bacterial, or parasitic).
- Hepatitis viruses – Liver conditions (such as Hepatitis A, B, and C) also can damage your liver.
- Poor eating habits – The risk of liver disease increases in people who are overweight. Moreover, those who eat unhealthy foods (including those with excess sugar or fat) are at higher risk of liver damage.
How to Prevent Hepatomegaly?
Following the tips listed below can help to reduce the risk of liver damage. For example:
- Adopt a healthy diet – It is advised to include in your diet fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Limit alcohol intake – Avoid large amounts of alcohol. You can consult with your doctor about the right amount of alcohol for you.
- Follow doctor’s recommendations carefully – It means you should not take more or less medications than prescribed by your doctor. Furthermore, never change the medicine or add a new one without his/her approval.
- Limit exposure to certain chemicals – You should wear gloves, long sleeves, and a mask when you are exposed to different toxic chemicals. Moreover, you can use aerosol cleaners, insecticides, and other toxic chemicals in well-ventilated areas only.
- Try to get and maintain a healthy weight – Overweight and obesity are the primary causes of liver damage. That’s why it is advised to keep a healthy weight for you. If you face problems with losing weight, you can discuss it with your healthcare professional.
- Quit smoking – Consult with your doctor about ways to stop smoking if you cannot do it alone.
- Use supplements cautiously – Before using any supplement, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits because some alternative medications can damage the liver. These include comfrey, germander, greater celandine, kava, pennyroyal, skullcap, valerian, black cohosh, ma huang, and other Chinese herbs.
Diagnosis
Usually, for diagnosis of this health problem, doctors begin with a physical examination in which they check the liver size, shape, and texture. Sometimes, doctors may also perform some tests to confirm an enlarged liver because a physical examination is not enough. Check below some tests and procedures:
- Blood tests – Doctors will get a blood sample to check for liver enzymes and viruses that potentially can cause an enlarged liver.
- Imaging tests – These tests produce detailed images of the body organs (including the liver). Doctors usually perform a CT (computerized tomography) scan, ultrasound, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to determine whether your liver is enlarged or not.
- Magnetic resonance elastography – This test uses sound waves to make a visual map (elastogram) of the liver tissue. It is a noninvasive test that sometimes is performed instead of a biopsy.
- Liver Biopsy – This test involves the removal of a small sample of the liver and sent into the laboratory. To perform this test, doctors will insert a thin needle through the abdomen into the liver.
The treatment for an enlarged liver involves treating the underlying condition. If you suspect you have hepatomegaly, visit a doctor right away because it may be a symptom of a more serious health problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of an enlarged liver?
These include:
- Anemias
- Heart failure
- Storage diseases
- Metabolic disorders
- Congenital heart disease
- Parasites
- Infections
- Toxic states
For more details talk with your healthcare professional.
Can hepatomegaly be reversed?
Sometimes, it is possible to reverse this health problem (with lifestyle changes) despite chronic liver diseases. Do not hesitate to visit a doctor if you suspect you have an enlarged liver or experience any of the previous symptoms.
What are medicines used for hepatomegaly?
Doctors prescribe different medicines for people with an enlarged liver because it depends on the underlying condition. Check below some of them:
- Antibiotics – Physicians recommend these medications if you experience bacterial hepatitis, abscesses, or parasitic infections.
- Diuretics – These drugs are used to manage congestive heart failure, which usually provoke an enlarged liver.
If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
