Childhood is a time for children to flourish and take their little steps towards their future. But sometimes, the same childhood can also bring issues concerning your child’s health. Hepatoblastoma is a very rare type of liver cancer that can affect your child in their first few years. It happens because of immature cells in your child’s liver that don’t grow during their development phase.
Who does it affect the most?
Hepatoblastoma can mostly be seen in infants under the age of three. But it can be diagnosed within the first 18 months of your baby’s life when they are still growing and developing. It doesn’t show any specific warning signs in the beginning and can worry you a bit. This is why you should pay special attention to your baby and take timely action when it matters the most.
Symptoms to watch for
Hepatoblastoma usually doesn’t show any warning signs that can tell you the difference. But it will be much better if you pay closer attention to your baby and make sure you take quick action before it gets worse for your baby.
A swollen or enlarged belly without any specific reason.
Formation of a visible lump that can be felt.
An unexplained loss of appetite in your baby without any changes.
Irritation due to occasional stomach pain that continues for a time.
What is the cause behind it?
There is no clear cause of hepatoblastoma, but there can be some factors linked to this disease. Some genetic conditions can affect the growth of your baby. If your baby is born with a slightly lower weight, then there are high chances for them to catch this disease. But you should know that these are risk factors, and cannot be directly linked to cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment
Once the hepatoblastoma is detected in your child, doctors usually start with an ultrasound to look at the liver and some blood tests to see if they can find a specific marker linked to the tumor. In some conditions, they can also perform a biopsy to understand your child’s condition better and confirm the final diagnosis. Once the presence of the disease is confirmed, doctors usually go with surgery to remove the tumor completely from your baby’s liver. In some cases, they can also go for chemotherapy or a liver transplant to save their baby’s life.
When to see doctors?
You should not be wasting any time if you spot an unexpected lump in your child’s stomach or swelling without any reason. If the lump is visible in your baby’s abdomen for a long time and if it’s causing irritation to your baby, then you should seek a doctor's help immediately without wasting any time.
Holding onto hope
Seeing your newborn going through such pain can be heartbreaking to see as a parent. But you should stay hopeful and pay closer attention to the slightest changes affecting your baby.