Hepatoblastoma is a rare liver cancer that primarily affects children under the age of five. Despite being rare, it makes up 1% of paediatric malignancies and is the most common liver cancer in children. For children with this illness, improving outcomes requires early discovery and adequate treatment.

This article talks about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hepatoblastoma, providing an overview of Hepatoblastoma.

What is Hepatoblastoma?
Causes of Hepatoblastoma in Kids
Hepatoblastoma Symptoms in Children
Diagnosing Hepatoblastoma in Infants and Children
Treatment Options for Hepatoblastoma in Children
Myths and Facts about Hepatoblastoma in Children
Prognosis and Recovery
Did You Know?
Conclusion
When to Seek Help
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hepatoblastoma?

Hepatoblastoma is a malignant tumour that originates in the liver cells. It occurs mainly in infants and young children, typically before their third birthday. The liver, a vital organ responsible for filtering toxins and aiding digestion, is significantly impacted by this condition.

Causes of Hepatoblastoma in Kids

The exact cause of hepatoblastoma remains unknown, but researchers have identified several risk factors that may contribute to its development. These include:

Genetic Conditions: Certain syndromes, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, increase the risk of hepatoblastoma in infants and children.
Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight: Children born prematurely or with low birth weight have a higher likelihood of developing hepatoblastoma.
Parental Exposure: Parental exposure to toxins, such as industrial chemicals or pesticides, may play a role, though evidence remains inconclusive.
Underlying Liver Disease: Pre-existing liver conditions, like biliary atresia, may contribute to hepatoblastoma development.

Hepatoblastoma Symptoms in Children

Recognising the signs of hepatoblastoma in children early can significantly impact treatment success. Common symptoms include:

Abdominal Swelling: A noticeable lump or swelling in the abdomen is one of the earliest signs.
Pain or Discomfort: Children may complain of pain or tenderness in the upper right side of the abdomen.
Weight Loss and Poor Appetite: Sudden, unexplained weight loss and difficulty eating are common.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes may occur if the liver’s ability to function is compromised.
Fever and Fatigue: Persistent low-grade fever and fatigue can be signs of the condition.
Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive disturbances, including vomiting, may appear.

Diagnosing Hepatoblastoma in Infants and Children

Physicians use a combination of methods to diagnose hepatoblastoma. These include:

Physical Examination: A doctor may feel for any abnormal swelling or lumps in the abdomen.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans help visualise the tumour and its size.
Blood Tests: High levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a tumour marker, often indicate hepatoblastoma.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from the tumour to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Hepatoblastoma in Children

Treatment depends on the stage of the tumour, the child’s overall health, and how far the cancer has spread. The primary treatment options include:

Surgery: Removing the tumour through surgery is often the first line of treatment. In some cases, a portion of the liver may also be removed.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy helps shrink the tumour before surgery or eliminate any remaining cancer cells afterwards.
Liver Transplant: If the tumour cannot be removed safely, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Radiation Therapy: This treatment is rarely used but may be considered for advanced cases.

Myths and Facts about Hepatoblastoma in Children

Myth 1: Hepatoblastoma only affects children with a family history of cancer.
Fact: While genetic conditions increase the risk, hepatoblastoma can occur without any family history.

Myth 2: Hepatoblastoma symptoms in children are always visible.
Fact: Some cases are asymptomatic and are only detected during routine health checkups.

Myth 3: All liver tumours in children are hepatoblastomas.
Fact: Other liver tumours, like hepatocellular carcinoma, may occur, but hepatoblastoma is specific to young children.

Myth 4: Surgery is always sufficient to treat hepatoblastoma.
Fact: Surgery often requires additional treatments like chemotherapy to ensure the cancer does not return.

Myth 5: Hepatoblastoma in infants is incurable.
Fact: Advances in treatment have significantly improved survival rates, especially when detected early.

Prognosis and Recovery

The prognosis for hepatoblastoma in children has improved due to advancements in medical science. Early-stage tumours have a high survival rate of over 80% when treated effectively. Long-term follow-up is crucial to monitor for any recurrence or complications.

Did You Know?

The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, which is why partial liver removal during surgery often results in a full recovery of liver function.
Premature babies have a four-fold higher risk of developing hepatoblastoma compared to full-term babies.

Conclusion

Hepatoblastoma in children is a rare but treatable condition. Early diagnosis and a combination of surgical and medical treatments offer the best chances of recovery. Parents should remain vigilant for any signs of hepatoblastoma in children, especially if risk factors are present. Regular checkups and prompt medical attention are vital for managing this condition effectively.

When to Seek Help

Seek medical attention if your child shows signs such as abdominal swelling, pain in the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or fatigue. Hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer in children, may also cause a noticeable lump in the abdomen.

At Narayana Health, our paediatric oncology specialists are ready to provide advanced care and personalised treatment for hepatoblastoma.

Schedule a consultation today— Call us @ 08068617735

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