Hepatomegaly
Formal Definition
Enlargement of the liver, detected by palpation below the right costal margin or on imaging.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Big liver" or "liver is down to the umbilicus" in casual talk.
Example
"Physical exam: "Abdomen soft, non-tender, positive hepatomegaly with the liver edge palpable 4cm below the right costal margin.""
Clinical Context
Classic medical terminology structure: hepato (liver) + megaly (enlargement). Learning the roots helps you decode hundreds of terms.
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