Hepatomegaly

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Hepatomegaly

Liver fattening, CT scan

Liver with disproportional fattening, CT scan

Hepatosplenomegaly; Enlarged liver; Liver enlargement

Contact your health care provider.

This condition is usually discovered by the health care provider, and the affected individual may or may not have been aware of its presence.

The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:

• When did you notice a fullness or lump in the abdomen?
• How much has it changed or enlarged?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• 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 fevers?
• What medications are you taking?
• How much alcohol do you consume?

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

• Abdominal x-ray
• Ultrasound of the liver
• CT scan of the abdomen
• Liver function tests , including blood clotting profiles
• Other tests for suspected causes

After seeing your health care provider:

You may want to add a diagnosis related to hepatomegaly to your personal medical record.

Review Date: 01/23/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.