The liver is a large organ within the abdomen that removes toxins from the body, regulates metabolism and helps digest nutrients. An enlarged liver--a condition also referred to as hepatomegaly--often occurs due to alternate medical problems such as liver disease or cancer. Though the symptoms of an enlarged liver can be difficult to detect, affected people should seek medical care from a physician.
No Symptoms
People with an unusually large liver typically do not experience noticeable symptoms, according to health professionals with MayoClinic.com and the University of Maryland Medical Center. This lack of symptoms can make it difficult for a doctor to diagnose this condition in affected people. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol or have certain types of infections, such as hepatitis or malaria, are at an increased risk of developing an enlarged liver, warn MayoClinic.com medical experts. People who have questions regarding liver enlargement should consult a doctor.
Abdominal Pain
An enlarged liver can press into the surrounding organs within a person's abdomen, causing pain, warn UMMC health professionals. Sensations of pain typically localize to the upper left portion of a person's stomach, which corresponds to the position of the liver. Abdominal pain can be uncomfortable and can occur in conjunction with an unusual sensation of fullness within the stomach. People can experience mild to moderate abdominal pain that occurs sporadically over time. A doctor should be contacted immediately if a person develops sudden or severe abdominal pain.
Jaundice
In healthy people, bilirubin, a yellow-colored waste product, passes through the liver and is eventually excreted within urine. Liver enlargement can interfere with the normal function of this organ, causing the accumulation of bilirubin within the body. High levels of bilirubin in a person's body can cause jaundice, a medical condition characterized by a temporary, abnormal yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin, explain MayoClinic.com health professionals. Jaundice can lead to significant medical complications if left untreated.
Fatigue
Poor liver function associated with liver enlargement can cause the buildup of toxins within a person's body. Excessive amounts of waste within the body can interfere with energy transport through the blood. Cells, tissues and organs that do not receive adequate amounts of energy supplies can't support a person's normal physical activities. Consequently, someone with an enlarged liver can experience fatigue as a symptom, according to MayoClinic.com. Those affected can have difficulty remaining focused or attentive throughout the day, or may need to take frequent naps to stay energized.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Enlarged Liver - Symptoms
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Characteristics of Liver Disease - What is Liver Enlargement?
- Children's Hospital Boston: My Child Has Liver Failure - What Causes Liver Failure? - Liver Enlargement
- MedlinePlus: Hepatomegaly
- Better Health Channel: Liver Explained
