Diagnosis
To diagnose an enlarged liver, a healthcare professional might start by feeling the belly during a physical exam. This can help determine liver size, shape and texture. However, this might not be enough to diagnose an enlarged liver.
Additional procedures
If a healthcare professional suspects you have an enlarged liver, you may need other tests and procedures to confirm a diagnosis, including:
- Blood tests. A blood sample is tested to check liver enzyme levels and identify viruses that can cause enlarged liver.
- Imaging tests. Imaging tests include ultrasound, MRI or CT scan.
- Magnetic resonance elastography. This test uses sound waves to create a visual map of the stiffness of liver tissue. This noninvasive test can be an alternative to a liver biopsy.
- Removing a sample of liver tissue for testing, called a liver biopsy. A liver biopsy is often done using a long, thin needle that's inserted through the skin and into the liver. The needle draws out a core of tissue that is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
Liver biopsy
A liver biopsy is a procedure to remove a small sample of liver tissue for laboratory testing. Liver biopsy is commonly performed by inserting a thin needle through your skin and into your liver.
Treatment
Treatment for enlarged liver involves treating the condition that's causing it.
Preparing for your appointment
You're likely to start by seeing someone on your healthcare team. If your healthcare professional suspects you have an enlarged liver, you may be referred to the appropriate specialist after testing to determine the cause.
If you have a liver disease, you might be referred to a specialist in liver conditions, called a hepatologist.
Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:
- Your symptoms, including ones that seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment and when they began.
- A list of all medicines, vitamins or supplements you take, including doses.
- Questions to ask during your appointment.
Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.
For enlarged liver some questions to ask include:
- What's likely causing my symptoms?
- What tests do I need?
- Is my condition likely temporary or long lasting?
- What's the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there restrictions I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist?
- Will I need follow-up visits?
- Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?
