The largest and heaviest internal organ in the body is the liver. In addition to producing bile, which aids in fat digestion, it also plays a vital role in the production of blood plasma proteins, immunological components, cholesterol, and other bodily substances. The liver weighs somewhat more than three pounds in adults. In this article, we will explore the normal size of liver in mm, cm, and inches by age in male and female as well as the conditions which cause abnormal liver size.
The liver shrinks and enlarges with age and certain medical diseases. Although certain medical diseases, such as acute hepatitis and fatty liver disease, can result in an enlarged liver, your liver expands as you age. Not all cases of enlarged liver result in symptoms.
In general, the normal liver size in male tends to have larger size than the normal liver size in female. Men often have larger bodies, which explains this. Although there is some variation in liver sizes, research has been done on the typical liver size by age. In the journal Indian Paediatrics, one such study was released. A total of 597 healthy youngsters aged one to twelve were subjected to ultrasonography assessment by the researchers.
The following are the results of the study measuring the average liver size of boys:
| Age | Liver size in inches | Liver size in cm | Liver size in mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 months | 2.6 in | 6.5 cm | 65 mm |
| 3-6 months | 2.8 in | 7.1 cm | 71 mm |
| 6-12 months | 3.0 in | 7.5 cm | 75 mm |
| 1-2 years | 3.4 in | 8.6 cm | 86 mm |
| 2-4 years | 3.5 in | 9.0 cm | 90 mm |
| 4-6 years | 4.1 in | 10.3 cm | 103 mm |
| 6-8 years | 4.3 in | 10.8 cm | 108 mm |
| 8-10 years | 4.7 in | 11.9 cm | 119 mm |
| 10-12 years | 5.0 in | 12.6 cm | 126 mm |
The following are the results of the study measuring the average liver size of girls:
| Age | Liver size in inches | Liver size in cm | Liver size in mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 months | 2.4 in | 6.2 cm | 62 mm |
| 3-6 months | 2.8 in | 7.2 cm | 72 mm |
| 6-12 months | 3.1 in | 7.9 cm | 79 mm |
| 1-2 years | 3.3 in | 8.5 cm | 85 mm |
| 2-4 years | 3.5 in | 8.9 cm | 89 mm |
| 4-6 years | 3.9 in | 9.8 cm | 98 mm |
| 6-8 years | 4.3 in | 10.9 cm | 109 mm |
| 8-10 years | 4.6 in | 11.7 cm | 117 mm |
| 10-12 years | 4.8 in | 12.3 cm | 123 mm |
Numerous factors, including height, body mass index, sex, and amount of alcohol consumed, might affect liver size.
An earlier study, which was published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, evaluated the average liver diameter of 2,080 male and female volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to 88 years, at the midclavicular line—an imaginary line drawn from the middle of the collarbone and traveling down the body.
The findings of the investigation revealed the following:
| Age | Average liver diameter size in inches | Average liver diameter size in cm | Average liver diameter size in mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 to 25 years | 5.4 in | 13.6 cm | 136 mm |
| 26 to 35 years | 5.4 in | 13.7 cm | 137 mm |
| 36 to 45 years | 5.5 in | 14.0 cm | 140 mm |
| 46 to 55 years | 5.6 in | 14.2 cm | 142 mm |
| 56 to 65 years | 5.7 in | 14.4 cm | 144 mm |
| Greater than 66 years | 5.6 in | 14.1 cm | 141 mm |
According to the study, which represents one of the largest groups ever examined for average liver length, individuals' average liver size was found to be 5.5 inches (in.), or 14 centimeters (cm).
The normal liver size for males is slightly higher at 14.5 ± 1.6 cm, and for females is slightly lower at 13.5 ± 1.7 cm.
The condition with an enlarged liver is known as hepatomegaly. Not all cases of abnormal liver size result in symptoms. Some individuals may express a sensation of pressure or fullness in their abdomens. An enlarged liver can be caused by a number of medical disorders. These include:
Liver size is an important observation tool in both routine physical examination and in the screening of pathologic conditions, therefore, it is important to establish its normal size. Studies have reported that the size of the liver varies in individuals depending on several factors such as age, sex and unique parameters of the particular body such as the body mass index and stature.
Hepatomegaly can be caused by a variety of conditions, including liver cancer, fatty liver disorders, liver cirrhosis, and acute hepatitis. It's worth noting that not all diseases or disorders have visible symptoms, thus providing individuals with various tests such as routine checkups and diagnostic procedures is quite acceptable.
Knowing all of these details will help determine the normal size of the liver and the diseases that affect it. If the liver is found to be larger than normal, this indicates that there may be a problem with the liver, which can affect overall health status.
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Q: Is 20 cm an enlarged liver?
A: A disorder called hepatomegaly causes the liver to enlarge, usually to a size of more than 15 centimeters in the midclavicular line. Nonetheless, each individual's natural liver size differs according to their sex, age, height, weight, and body mass index.
Q: What is an extremely large liver?
A: A liver that is larger than usual is called hepatomegaly. Liver enlargement can be caused by a number of conditions, including infection, parasites, tumors, anemia, toxic states, storage diseases, congenital heart disease, heart failure, and metabolic abnormalities.
Q: Does pregnancy increase normal liver size in women?
A: Regardless of weight gain, the majority of women's liver size increases during pregnancy and it returns to normal after giving birth. Bile acids were found to have potential involvement in the growth and regression of the liver.
Q: Does alcohol consumption increase normal liver size in males?
A: Chronic alcohol consumption can result in a condition known as hepatomegaly which causes enlargement of the liver than its normal size.
