Hepatomegaly Symptoms

The liver is a glandular organ that is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdominal cavity. It is one of the largest internal organs of the human body. It weighs around 3 to 3.5 pounds. The liver not only aids in the metabolism of fats, it also plays an important role in the synthesis of proteins.

Bile, which is a digestive juice secreted by the liver, aids in the process of digestion. The liver performs various vital functions. These include absorption of cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins and fats in the small intestine. The liver also facilitates the process of detoxification.

If the liver gets damaged, all these important bodily processes will naturally get adversely affected. Sometimes liver damage might be manifested in the form of an enlarged liver. The enlargement of liver is medically referred to as hepatomegaly.

The enlargement could be a symptom of many liver diseases, but it is not a disease in itself. Since the symptoms of this condition are mild or unnoticeable, it is often not diagnosed in the initial stages.

Excessive consumption of alcohol is often the main contributory factor for diseases that may cause enlargement of the liver. Alcoholic hepatitis and fatty liver disease are medical conditions that may cause the liver to enlarge. The liver may enlarge if it is unable to metabolize alcohol properly.

High triglycerides levels, elevated cholesterol levels, obesity, malnutrition and conditions such as hepatitis C and type 2 diabetes could also increase one's risk of developing fatty liver disease, wherein accumulation of fat deposits in the liver causes the liver to enlarge.

Inflammation of the liver cells due to viral hepatitis has also been seen to cause the liver to enlarge. Sometimes both liver as well as the spleen might get enlarged. This condition is medically referred to as hepatosplenomegaly.

This condition could be caused by liver cirrhosis, which is a condition that is characterized by hardening and scarring of tissues of the liver.

Autoimmune hepatitis, hepatitis C, bile duct obstruction, pericarditis, tricuspid stenosis, congestive heart failure, hemochromatosis, pancreatic cancer, amyloidosis, diabetes mellitus, development of cysts or malignant growth in the liver could also be contributory factors.

Since the liver doesn't have nerve endings, the brain doesn't receive any signals in the form of impulses. It is only when the liver becomes abnormally large that the affected individual may begin to experience hepatomegaly symptoms.

When liver starts exerting pressure within the peritoneum or on adjacent organs, one may experience abdominal discomfort and pain. Nausea, vomiting, feeling of fullness, fatigue, pain and tenderness in the upper right abdomen, distended abdomen, right-sided flank pain, jaundice are some of the common symptoms that might be experienced by the sufferer.

The affected individual could also suffer from jaundice. The color of urine and stool may change.

As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of this condition may not be very conspicuous. Thus, doctors may analyze the patient's medical history and conduct a physical examination. Doctors may employ palpation and percussion method during the physical examination.

Palpation, as the name suggests, refers to a method wherein the doctor tries to feel the shape, size, location and the texture of an organ. Percussion refers to tapping over the affected part of the body. The lower edge of the liver comes up to the right side of the costal margin or the lower edge of the ribs.

Under normal circumstances, the liver cannot be felt below the lower edge of the ribs. If the physician can feel the lower edge with his/her fingertips, further tests will be ordered to formulate the diagnosis. Auscultation, which refers to listening to the sounds with the help of the stethoscope, may also provide some diagnostic information.

Since enlargement of the liver can be caused due to a wide range of medical conditions, the treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. The extent of liver damage or enlargement is assessed with the help of an X-ray examination and imaging procedures such as a CT scan or an ultrasound.

Our liver performs various vital functions that are required for the healthy functioning of our body. One must therefore, take all possible precautions to keep it in a good condition. Those of you who have been experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms must consult a doctor soon. Follow a healthy diet and make the right lifestyle choices to prevent liver damage.

Since obesity can also increase one's risk of developing this condition, it's important to keep a tab on one's weight. Chemotherapy and radiation might be required if the liver enlargement is caused by liver cancer. So, the treatment options can be determined once the underlying cause has been ascertained.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.