Liver Cancer in Children and its Treatment

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. It performs several vital functions such as producing bile to digest fats, removing toxins and drugs from the blood, and helping in blood clotting, among others.

Liver problems in children are fairly common — some may even develop liver failure (acute or chronic), which can be life-threatening. However, liver cancer is rare in children compared to adults.

Hepatoblastoma is the most common type of liver cancer found in children, usually between the ages of 2 and 3. It affects approximately 3–4 children per million. Children suffering from hepatoblastoma often experience severe abdominal pain and discomfort. Prematurely born children are at a higher risk and may develop multiple tumors. As the child grows, the tumors can increase in size, making timely surgical removal crucial. In severe cases where the tumor cannot be removed, a liver transplant becomes the only treatment option.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Weakness
• Excruciating stomach pain
• Dark-colored urine
• Yellowish skin
• Sudden weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Diagnosis:

The doctors initially perform a physical examination and look for certain symptoms based on which he recommends certain blood tests and diagnostic procedures. Some of the diagnostic tests include:

• Complete Blood Count or CBC: It is a procedure in which the sample of blood is taken in order to see the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It also shows the amount of hemoglobin present in the blood.
• Liver Function Test: In this, the blood sample is checked to measure the number of certain substances released by the liver into the blood, and if higher than a normal amount of that substance is present, it shows signs of liver cancer.
• Ultrasound: In ultrasound, sound waves are used in order to see the internal condition and the level of infection that helps in the proper diagnosis of the disease.
• MRI: MRI is a procedure in which magnetic waves are used in order to create a detailed picture of the area required it gives a clearer image of the damage of the organ
• Biopsy: Biopsy is another diagnostic test in which a part of the tissue is removed from the infected area and viewed under a microscope to see any signs of cancer cells and get confirmed.

Treatment:

The choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the size, location, and spread of the tumor. The chances of recovery depend on how early the cancer is detected and how effectively it responds to treatment.

Common treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy: Standard treatments used to destroy or shrink cancer cells before or after surgery.
• Surgery: The main approach for removing cancerous tissue. Surgical options include:
• Cryosurgery: Uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancerous tissue.
• Partial Hepatectomy: Removes the portion of the liver affected by the tumor along with surrounding tissue.
• Total Hepatectomy and Liver Transplant: In severe cases, the entire liver is removed and replaced with a donor liver.

Bhagwan Mahaveer cancer hospital and research center have one of the best cancer hospitals in Jaipur famous for its liver cancer treatment. We have a team of the best Liver cancer specialists in Jaipur who are always available in case of any emergency or query.  For any cancer-related query contact us for expert assistance.