Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your primary care doctor. If your doctor suspects you have an enlarged liver, he or she might refer you to the appropriate specialist after testing to determine the cause.

If you have a liver disease, you might be referred to a specialist in liver problems (hepatologist).

Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including ones that seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment and when they began
• A list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For enlarged liver some questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's likely causing my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely temporary or long lasting?
• What's the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Will I need follow-up visits?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?