What is this disease?

• This is a malignant (cancerous) tumour of the liver which usually occurs in young children.

How it is diagnosed?

• Hepatoblastoma usually presents as a lump in the abdomen. Other symptoms include: Poor appetite, Weight loss, Lethargy, Fever, Vomiting, Jaundice. blood test, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Chest X-ray, Ultrasound scan, CT scan or MRI scan – an MRI or CT scan of your child’s abdomen and CT scan of the  lungs will be needed to get  detailed information about the tumor. Biopsy is needed to confirm diagnosis.

How it is treated?

• Treatment for hepatoblastoma depends on which risk group the child has. The treatment usually includes chemotherapy and surgery, and occasionally liver transplantation.

When it should be operated?

• The decision to operate will depend upon clinical condition and stage of the tumor.

Are there other alternative methods of treatment?

• Chemotherapy, or surgery are all used in different combinations for treatment.

What all I need to know before my child surgery?

• Read “All you need to know before your child's surgery” information booklet in website.

How is the surgery done?

• Surgery involves removal of mass and varies according to lobe involved. It can include right or left hepatectomy, right trisegmentectomy or hepatic transplantation.

Remarks

• For more details of surgery, contact your surgeon

Related Photographs and videos

• Few photographs of steps done by me  is given here for learning purposes