Enlarged liver

[foxglove]

Is an enlarged liver dangerous?

[AyrshireK]

Some people have a naturally larger liver than other people but an 'enlarged' liver can mean it is inflamed or have fatty infiltration - a scan picture or even physical exam that revealed an enlarged liver would have to be followed up with further tests and in combination with up to date blood tests.

Katie

[foxglove in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks - I'm afraid of "tube down throat!"

[Hidden in reply to foxglove]

If you are UK based, you can always call our nurse led helpline for a chat on 0800 652 7330 10am to 3pm Mon to Fri

[foxglove in reply to Hidden]

Thanks deffinitely will do this once I've had another chat with dr.

[AyrshireK in reply to foxglove]

Have Doctors mentioned that you need an endoscopy/gastroscopy? Your certainly don't need one for any sort of diagnosis of liver issues - only if you have perhaps got stomach issues that are ongoing or they already know you have cirrhosis and portal hypertension where they might need to check for varices.

They have very good sedation now for it, sadly since 2012 my hubby has needed well over 30 of these procedures to examine and band his varices but that is because he has known cirrhosis with portal hypertension.

Katie

[foxglove in reply to AyrshireK]

Abdomen US showed a lot of small gallstones which I etainly didn't know I had. Think this is what dr. wants investigated

[Smegmer]

It wont be a good thing. Looking at your posting history you have elevated Liver numbers, inflammation of GGT and ALP and I would guess they told you it was enlarged from the ultrasound measurements. A mildly inflamed Liver will eventually (over decades usually) get scarred and lead to Cirrhosis of the Liver.

You should work with your doctors to find the cause, although it could be the other medications you are on.

[foxglove in reply to Smegmer]

Thanks, think dr. wants stomach checked as US showed lotsof small gallstones - a surprise to me - no symptoms

[Ubwa]

Depends why its enlarged, could be hepatitis or you just have a large liver, as mentioned by others above. If hepatitis, then yes it can be very dangerous. But not sure why you are scared of a tube down your throat - if they can see your liver doing that you have some other serious problems that need looking at 🙂

[foxglove in reply to Ubwa]

Think dr wants gallstones checked...showed up in US scan

[Ubwa in reply to foxglove]

I suppose they can see if bile is present but that is triggered by eating, and you usually have an endoscopy fasting so am not sure, hopefully someone with similar circumstances with be able to comment.

Endoscopies suck but aren’t the end of the world.

[foxglove in reply to Ubwa]

Thanks....will have to wait for appt. anyway!