In which of the following conditions would you expect to see a hepatomegaly?

In which of the following conditions would you expect to see a hepatomegaly?

• A. Portal vein thrombosis
• B. Hepatocellular carcinoma
• C. Cholecystitis
• D. Pancreatitis

Answer: (B)

Hepatomegaly, or the enlargement of the liver, is commonly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma because this condition is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of liver cells, which leads to significant liver enlargement. In cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, the liver may become congested with tumor cells and new blood vessels, further contributing to the increase in size. In contrast, conditions like portal vein thrombosis, cholecystitis, and pancreatitis involve other mechanisms that may not directly lead to hepatomegaly. Portal vein thrombosis can cause liver dysfunction and may affect the liver's size depending on the extent of ischemia, but it does not typically lead to an enlarged liver in the same way as a malignancy would. Cholecystitis primarily affects the gallbladder, and while it can cause liver effects, it is unlikely to result in significant hepatomegaly. Pancreatitis relates to inflammation of the pancreas and may have secondary effects on the liver but does not directly lead to hepatomegaly. Thus, hepatocellular carcinoma stands out as the condition most clearly associated with an enlarged liver.

Hepatomegaly, or the enlargement of the liver, is commonly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma because this condition is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of liver cells, which leads to significant liver enlargement. In cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, the liver may become congested with tumor cells and new blood vessels, further contributing to the increase in size.

In contrast, conditions like portal vein thrombosis, cholecystitis, and pancreatitis involve other mechanisms that may not directly lead to hepatomegaly. Portal vein thrombosis can cause liver dysfunction and may affect the liver's size depending on the extent of ischemia, but it does not typically lead to an enlarged liver in the same way as a malignancy would. Cholecystitis primarily affects the gallbladder, and while it can cause liver effects, it is unlikely to result in significant hepatomegaly. Pancreatitis relates to inflammation of the pancreas and may have secondary effects on the liver but does not directly lead to hepatomegaly. Thus, hepatocellular carcinoma stands out as the condition most clearly associated with an enlarged liver.