Reasons for an Enlarged Liver

An enlarged liver, referred to as hepatomegaly, is not a disease in itself but a sign of an underlying medical condition such as hepatitis, cancer or congestive heart failure. Therefore treatment for the enlarged liver will depend on the cause.

Causes

• Of the many causes for the liver to be enlarged, some include alcohol abuse; hepatitis A, B or C; liver cancer; heart failure; and infections such as mononucleosis and leukemia. Also, there is a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in which fat accumulates in the liver forming fibrous tissue and leading to inflammation. Another potential cause is a condition called hemochromatosis in which the body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat. The iron builds up in major organs such as the liver and causes damage.

Symptoms

• Although there may be no apparent signs you have an enlarged liver, symptoms, if they occur, would be tenderness to the touch where the liver is located, stomach pain or fullness and jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes and will occur if liver function has been damaged.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor can tell with a physical exam if the liver is enlarged. The liver can feel soft, irregular and firm, and lumps may also be felt. Diagnostic tests may indicate the cause of the enlarged liver. X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound all use imaging to look at internal organs. Liver function tests use a blood sample to see if a disease is present. Removing and examining a small liver tissue sample, called a biopsy, can help your doctor determine how healthy your liver is.

Treatments

• Treatment depends on the cause of the enlarged liver. If alcohol abuse is the cause then it is essential to stop drinking. Exercise and weight loss can help with a fatty tissue liver disease and will keep your cholesterol levels lower too. Medications usually treat hepatitis B and C, and hepatitis A can resolve itself. Medications for heart failure can help take extra fluid off the liver. Liver cancer may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Blood disorders such as hemochromatosis can be remedied by drawing blood regularly to reduce the amount of iron in the blood.

Prevention/Solution

• Reducing your risk of acquiring hepatitis, limiting your use of alcohol and leading a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in lowering your risk for an enlarged liver. Use medications only when you need them and be cautious when using supplements, as high doses of vitamin A, D, E and K can damage the liver.