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Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)

Also called: Enlarged liver, hepatomegaly, swollen liver

A liver that's bigger than normal, found on exam or scan. It's a sign of another problem, most often fatty liver, alcohol, hepatitis, or heart failure.

Common causesFatty liver, alcohol, hepatitis, heart failure
SymptomsOften none
Next stepFind the cause

Overview

Some medicines and supplements can harm the liver.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Enlarged liver found

Less common

  • Upper right belly fullness
  • Tiredness

When to get medical care

Call 911Vomiting blood or confusion.
Get care todayYellow skin or eyes, or a swollen belly.
See a doctor soonEnlarged liver found.

Causes

Fatty liver, alcohol, infection, heart failure.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Heavy drinking
  • Obesity

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Tests find the cause.

Questions you may be asked

  • Alcohol, medicines, supplements

The exam

Belly exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Liver tests:
  • Hepatitis tests:
  • Ultrasound:

Treatment

Protect your liver.

Self-care

  • Limit or stop alcohol
  • Check supplements with your doctor
  • Get hepatitis vaccines
  • Keep a healthy weight

Prevention

  • Limit alcohol

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Depends on cause.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.