Enlarged Liver on CT scan

[ShonaGreen]

Hi, I'm new here and hoping you may be able to help with some questions. A recent CT scan showed that I have an enlarged liver. My GP says that it's nearly reaching my pelvis (don't know dimensions) but the scan doesn't show any obvious reason for it being enlarged, not fatty, no tumours, etc. I had a scan last year and my liver was normal. I originally had the scan as having abdominal pain, bloody stools and constipation but the only thing found was the enlarged liver. In the past few weeks I've felt worse than ever, had chest pain and out of breath just going up the stairs, nearly fainted a few times as feeling very light-headed with shaky legs. This is scary to me as I'm usually very fit and active. Also lost over half a stone in last few months but not able to exercise much. I'm seeing a gastroenterologist next week, but not sure if what I'm feeling is liver related or something different? I really want to get to the bottom of this, but if there's no obvious reason for enlarged liver, will consultant say it's just one of those things and not investigate it further?

[AyrshireK]

I wouldn't think that a gasto consultant would ignore a liver that has grown to that degree and not investigate it further. Make sure when you see the consultant that you have a written list of all the symptoms you have been experiencing so they get the full picture, also make a note of any meds you are on (if any) together with any questions you want to ask. Make sure you take ownership of your condition, don't be fobbed off and make sure you get the answers you need.

All the best with it, Katie

[ShonaGreen in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie, appreciate your response. I'd like to know the actual size of it, but thinking that it's quite big? I'm quite small so would probably make sense that I'd be feeling some pain from it pressing on other organs? I'm definitely going to write down my symptoms and the medication I'm on - been taking Amitryptline for a few months for migraines and Nifedipine for Reynauds, not sure if either of these could be the problem? All blood tests and liver function tests are normal too. So I guess it can't be anything too sinister if blood tests all normal and nothing obvious on the scan?

[AyrshireK in reply to ShonaGreen]

Having Raynauds is interesting as it is linked with auto-immune conditions so make sure this is definitely run past the consultant.

[Kristian]

I echo what AyrshireK says.

Its important that you mention all your symptoms to your gastro consultant when you see them, even those you think could be completely unrelated. You'd be surprised how many things can be related and it all goes to the big picture.