The liver is the body's largest solid organ. An average healthy liver measures approximately 8 inches across and 6.5 inches down, and is 4.5 inches thick. It weighs about 3.5 lb. An enlarged liver is called hepatomegaly. It is a symptom of liver diseases and conditions, cancers or congestive heart failure. An enlarged liver is detected in a physical exam done by a doctor.
Liver Diseases and Conditions
Cirrhosis is a condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. The liver becomes enlarged and is unable to regenerate new replacement tissue. The functions of the liver to eliminate waste from the blood, produce bile and aid in the digestion of fats and carbohydrates are impaired.
Hepatitis is the swelling of the liver. It can result from a virus, drugs or alcohol use. Hepatitis that is caused by a virus is named for the virus, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease result from the accumulation of fat in the liver. Alcoholic fatty liver disease occurs in people who consume more than 2 oz. of alcohol each day. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. Gaucher's disease is caused by the deficiency of an enzyme that helps the body process a fatty substance called glucocerebroside. This fatty substance builds up in various organs, including the liver.
Cancers
An enlarged liver is a symptom of liver cancer. According to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, most cases of liver cancer seen in the United States are metastatic lesions. Metastatic cancer originates at a primary site and spreads to other parts of the body.
Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. An enlarged liver can occur in both adults and children who have leukemia. Lymphoma is a cancer affecting the lymph nodes, which are part of the body's immune system. This form of cancer can occur in the lymph nodes in any part of the body. Lymphoma in the abdomen causes abdominal swelling because of an enlarged liver.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a disorder in which the heart fails to pump blood adequately. Blood flow is decreased and excessive buildup of blood occurs in the veins and lungs. Right-sided heart failure results in the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, feet and ankles. Abdominal distention or swelling occurs because the liver and spleen are enlarged.
