Henry Ford Health System
Print this pageEmail to a friend
 Health Information
Health Information

Health Encyclopedia - Symptoms

Back to Health Library   Print This Page Print    Email to a Friend Email

Liver fattening, CT scan
Liver fattening, CT scan

Liver with disproportional fattening, CT scan
Liver with disproportional fattening, CT scan

Hepatomegaly
Hepatomegaly

Hepatomegaly

Definition:

Hepatomegaly is swelling of the liver beyond its normal size.

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

See also: Splenomegaly



Alternative Names: Hepatosplenomegaly; Enlarged liver; Liver enlargement

Considerations:

The lower edge of the liver normally comes just to the lower edge of the ribs (costal margin) on the right side. In its normal state, the edge of the liver is thin and firm, and it cannot be felt with the finger tips below the edge of the ribs. It may be considered enlarged if a doctor can feel it in this area.



Common Causes:

The liver is involved in many bodily functions and is affected by a variety of conditions, many of which result in hepatomegaly.

Causes of hepatomegaly may include:



Call your health care provider if:

This condition is usually discovered by a health care provider. You may not be aware of the liver or spleen swelling.



What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:

  • Did you notice a fullness or 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 ?
  • Have you had any fever?
  • What medications are you taking?
  • How much alcohol do you drink?

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



Review Date: 11/13/2007
Reviewed By: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com

MyHealth Login
In This Section
En Espanol



Billing/Insurances Accepted About Henry Ford Press Room Terms of Use Privacy Policy Vendor Information Contact Us

1-800-HENRYFORD (800-436-7936)    Copyright 1997 - 2009