Childhood Liver Cancer Treatment | I D Cancer Center Lucknow

Childhood liver cancer is a rare but serious condition in which abnormal cells grow in the liver. The two most common types in children are Hepatoblastoma (HB) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

What Is Childhood Liver Cancer?

Childhood liver cancers arise from liver cells that grow uncontrollably. The two major forms are:

1. Hepatoblastoma (HB)

• Most common in children under 3 years old

• Usually detected early with good treatment response

2. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

• Seen in older children and adolescents

• Less common but requires strong, multidisciplinary treatment

Liver cancer in children may also arise due to underlying genetic or liver conditions.

Common Symptoms of Childhood Liver Cancer

Symptoms may be subtle in early stages but can include:

• Abdominal swelling or a noticeable lump

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss or poor growth

• Nausea or vomiting

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

• Fatigue

• Feeling full after small meals

A firm abdominal mass is often the first sign parents notice.

Risk Factors

Risk factors may include:

• Genetic conditions (Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome, Familial adenomatous polyposis)

• Prematurity and low birth weight

• Chronic liver disease

• Exposure to certain toxins

• Metabolic disorders

However, many children develop liver cancer without any known risk factors.

How Childhood Liver Cancer Is Diagnosed

At I D Cancer Center, diagnosis is performed using internationally approved pediatric oncology guidelines:

1. Physical Examination

• Checking abdomen for swelling or masses

2. Blood Tests

• AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) — elevated in most cases

• Liver function tests

• Viral hepatitis screening

3. Imaging Studies

• Ultrasound (initial evaluation)

• CT scan

• MRI abdomen (preferred for staging)

• Chest imaging to check for spread

4. Biopsy

• Confirms the type of liver cancer

• Guides treatment planning

5. Additional Tests

• Kidney function tests

• Genetic studies (selected cases)

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

Treatment depends on tumor type, size, and stage.

1. Surgery

Often the most important part of treatment:

• Complete removal offers the best chance of cure

• Performed by expert pediatric surgeons associated with the center

2. Chemotherapy

Used in:

• Hepatoblastoma (very effective)

• Selected cases of HCC

• Pre-surgery (to shrink tumor)

• Post-surgery (to eliminate remaining cells)

3. Liver Transplant

Recommended for:

• Tumors not removable with surgery

• Extensive liver involvement
  We work closely with leading transplant centers to arrange coordinated care.

4. Radiotherapy

Used for:

• Residual disease

• Pain relief

• Selected metastatic cases

Techniques at I D Cancer Center:

• IMRT / VMAT precision radiotherapy

• Targeted liver radiation

• SBRT for selected lesions

5. Targeted Therapy

For advanced or recurring disease:

• Sorafenib

• Other molecular treatments in selected genetic profiles

6. Supportive Care

Essential throughout treatment:

• Nutrition support

• Pain and symptom control

• Infection prevention

• Blood transfusions

• Psychological support for child & parents

7. Long-Term Follow-Up

To monitor:

• Growth and development

• Liver function

• Recurrence

• Learning and emotional well-being

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on:

• Tumor type (HB has better outcomes)

• Tumor size and stage

• Surgical removal success

• AFP marker response

• Child’s overall health

Hepatoblastoma often has excellent cure rates when treated early with surgery + chemotherapy.