Enlarged liver can be caused by a variety of disorders or illnesses. Depending on the severity of the abnormal growth, there can be serious medical consequences. The size of the liver can range from slightly enlarged to grossly enlarged. A normal adult liver is usually about the size of a small American football, weighing 3-4 pounds or 1.5 kilograms.

Doctor describe an enlarged liver as hepatomegaly.

Hepatomegaly is not itself considered to be a disease. It is more a symptom of some other liver problem.

A variety of liver disorders may be responsible for an enlarged liver. These may include any of the following.

• One of several forms of hepatitis.

• Polycystic liver disease, a disorder in which a series of cysts grow on the liver.

• Infections in the liver caused by malaria, mononucleosis and a number of other diseases.

• Liver cysts, which are small, round sacs that are sometimes empty, sometimes filled with mucous or watery fluids. These grow on the liver.

• Cirrhosis of the liver, or simply cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is caused by scarring of liver tissue from a disease or a chemical addiction like overuse of alcohol.

• Fatty liver syndrome (also known as fatty liver disease), which is characterized by a growing accumulation of fat in the liver. Poor diet is the most common cause. The build up of fat interferes with liver function.

• Cancer can sometimes cause an enlarged liver. This is especially true of leukemia.

Symptoms often depend on the degree of enlargement. A slightly enlarged liver won't present any symptoms. But a grossly enlarged liver may cause abdominal fullness and some pain.

When symptoms of an enlarged liver appear, they may include one or more of the following.

• A condition known as ascites. This disorder is characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, which separates abdominal organs from the abdominal lining.

• Cholestasis, which is caused when bile fails to flow from the liver through the bile ducts.

• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

It's important to know the cause of an enlarged liver in order to determine the best course of treatment. In many instances, the cause is alcohol abuse. If this is the case, it's important to stop drinking. Poor diet, obesity and lack of exercise are factors that contribute to liver enlargement. Your doctor will suggest some important lifestyle and nutritional changes.

You can avoid getting an enlarged liver by following these guidelines.

Drink alcohol in moderation, or stop completely. It's also important never consume alcohol while you're taking other drugs.

Be careful when taking multiple medications, and be sure to follow dosage instructions carefully.

Don't take herbal supplements unless you talk to your doctor about them. Some may harm your liver.

You should also discuss vitamin combinations with your doctor because certain combinations work against liver health. Combinations involving vitamins A, D, E and K may cause problems.

Be wary of certain common household products. Some aerosols, insecticides and cleaners can harm the liver. Be sure to use such products only in places that are well ventilated.

Finally - and this bears repeating - get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet. These two things alone will go a long way toward keeping your entire body healthy, and especially in avoiding an enlarged liver.