Liver Cancer in Children and its Treatment

Liver is the largest organ inside the human body. It is responsible for several important functions such as the production of bile juices for digestion of fats, removal of toxic chemicals and drugs from the blood, helping in blood clothing, and much more. Liver problems in children are very common,  some of them have liver failure (acute liver failure or chronic liver failure) which is harmful to their health. Liver cancer is not as common in children as it is in adults. Hepatoblastoma is one form of liver cancer that commonly occurs in children. Hepatoblastoma affects children of age 2-3 years of age and it affects 3-4 children among a million. Children suffering from it experience excruciating stomach pain and discomfort.  Children born prematurely are at greater risk of having Hepatoblastoma and they are born with a large number of tumors. As the child grows the tumors also grow in size and immediate removal of the tumors becomes necessary. In worst cases where the tumor can’t be removed, a liver transplant remains the only option.

Symptoms:

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

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:

To choose the appropriate treatment option the doctor has to consider a lot of factors such as size, location, and spread of the tumor. The chances of recovery and efficacy of the treatment really depend on all these factors. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are general cancer treatment options. The Cancer doctors in Jaipur try to remove it is possible without causing much harm to the child.

Surgical removal of the tumor or cancer includes several methods some of them are:

• Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery is a treatment in which the doctor uses an instrument to freeze the tumor and then destroy the tissues.
• Total Hepatectomy and Liver Transplant: It is done when the condition of the patient is severe and no other option is left.  In this, the entire liver is removed and a new liver is transplanted that meets all the conditions of the transplant.
• Partial Hepatectomy: In this, a part of the liver is removed which is mostly affected by the tumor or cancer along with the surrounding tissues.

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.