What is the normal size of the liver
The liver It is one of the fundamental organs for our organism, so that without it we simply could not continue living. In fact, just take a look at the functions of the liver to really realize the great diversity of functions in which it participates. Therefore, there are also many conditions that can affect you: fatty liver (excessive accumulation of fat), hepatitis, alcohol or drug use, as well as other serious diseases.
These disorders and pathologies, which affect the liver to a greater or lesser extent, can cause different symptoms, such as inflammation of the liver (or hepatomegaly), as well as the appearance of jaundice, which is mainly due to the presence of bilirubin. high blood In fact, when there is hepatomegaly it is because the liver has grown in such a way that its edges tend to exceed its limits and can cause certain discomfort, being possible to feel the lower edge of this organ below the edge of the ribs (when originally it is not possible to feel it, unless you take a deep breath).
Of course, we must bear in mind that in many cases what may or may not be felt without the existence of liver disease is mainly due to adjacent structures. Hence, the medical specialist must consider whether his finding is really due to a true hepatomegaly.
The size of the liver depends mainly on the physical condition of the person, as well as the age it has. This means that it is not the same size for a child as for an adult person. On average, the size is approximately between 25 to 28 centimeters by 15 centimeters in the anteroposterior sense, and 8 centimeters in thickness at the level of the right lobe.
There are also other factors that can influence its size, such as the existence or not of fat accumulation, the consumption of alcohol ...
Within parameters considered normal, it is possible that the medical specialist diagnoses the existence of an inflamed or enlarged liver, when it is above these normal values.
How to know the size of the liver?
The best way to know what is the size of the liver, as well as analyzing and discovering its state (appearance, presence or absence of accumulated fat, existence or not of cirrhosis, whether or not it is inflamed ...), is based on a abdominal ultrasound, a simple and simple diagnostic means that stands out for being non-invasive, and that allows to study both the liver and other organs safely and effectively. The ultrasonography or scintigraphy is important to know the liver size.
There are also other useful techniques, such as percussion. The percussion consists of making light hits on the surface of the body, using the index or middle finger of a hand and then hitting with the finger of the hand that is on it. Palpation is also another technique, although it is not as effective because it is known that at a population level it is normal to feel the liver even without a history of liver disease. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesLiver
