CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL
Irregular and non-tender hepatomegaly refers to an enlargement of the liver with a nodular or irregular surface that does not cause pain upon palpation.
This sign may indicate serious pathological processes, such as neoplasms or chronic infections, that affect the liver’s structure. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for the appropriate and timely management of the patient, as many of these conditions may require specialized treatment.
Condition | Symptoms and Clinical Signs | Suspected Diagnosis | Confirmatory Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|---|
Metastatic carcinoma | Nodular hepatomegaly, weight loss, anorexia, fatigue, jaundice, ascites, mild abdominal pain, symptoms from the primary cancer site | Medical history, clinical symptoms, history of cancer | Abdominal CT/MRI, liver biopsy, PET-CT |
Hepatoma (Hepatocellular carcinoma) | Nodular hepatomegaly, weight loss, anorexia, fatigue, jaundice, ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, right upper quadrant pain | Medical history, clinical symptoms, risk factors (hepatitis B/C, cirrhosis) | Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), abdominal CT/MRI, liver biopsy |
Hydatid cyst | Hepatomegaly, palpable liver mass, compression symptoms, fever, jaundice, anaphylaxis in cases of rupture | Medical history, contact with animals, clinical symptoms | Abdominal ultrasound, serology for hydatid disease, abdominal CT/MRI |
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