What does "hepatomegaly" specifically refer to?

Hepatomegaly specifically refers to an enlargement of the liver. The term is derived from the Greek words "hepatos," meaning liver, and “megaly," meaning enlargement. This condition can be a sign of various underlying health issues, such as liver diseases, infections, fatty liver disease, or congestive heart failure. Recognizing symptoms like hepatomegaly is important for diagnoses and treatment plans in medical practice.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different organs. An enlarged spleen is known as splenomegaly, an enlarged kidney is termed nephromegaly, and an enlarged gallbladder does not have a widely recognized specific term but could indicate cholecystomegaly or similar conditions. Understanding the specific terminology helps in accurately documenting and addressing medical issues.