Hepatoblastoma is a very rare cancerous tumor that originates in the liver. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. The primary functions of the liver include filtering and storing blood. The liver consists of right and left lobes. Most hepatoblastoma tumors originate in the right lobe.

This disease primarily affects children from infancy to about five years. Most cases appear during the first 18 months of life. Hepatoblastoma cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body. The most common sites of metastasis are the lungs, into the abdomen and abdominal structures, and rarely to bone, the central nervous system and the bone marrow.

What Causes Hepatoblastoma?

Although the exact cause of liver cancer is unknown, there are a number of genetic conditions that are associated with an increased risk for developing hepatoblastoma, including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, hemihypertrophy and familial adenomatous polyposis. Other genetic conditions associated with liver cancer include several inborn errors of metabolism such as tyrosinemia, glycogen storage disease type I, galactosemia and alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Children who are exposed to hepatitis B infection at an early age, or those who have biliary atresia, are also at increased risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Some hepatoblastomas have genetic alterations in tumor suppressor genes, which would explain the uncontrolled cell growth.

How Is Hepatoblastoma Diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for hepatoblastoma may include the items below.

Biopsy

A sample of tissue is removed from the tumor and examined under a microscope.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Measurement of size, number and maturity of different blood cells in a specific volume of blood.

Additional Blood Tests

May include blood chemistries, evaluation of liver and kidney functions, and genetic studies.

Computed Tomography Scan (CT or CAT Scan)

Diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

X-Ray

A diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film.

Ultrasound (Sonography)

Diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

Bone Scans

Pictures or x-rays taken of the bone after a dye has been injected that is absorbed by bone tissue. These are used to detect tumors and bone abnormalities.

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in the blood can be used to diagnose and follow response to treatment.

Stages of Childhood Liver Cancer

Staging is the process of determining whether cancer has spread and, if so, how far. There are various staging symptoms that are used for hepatoblastoma. Always consult your child's physician for information on staging. One method of staging hepatoblastoma is the following:

• Stage I–Usually a tumor that can be completely removed with surgery
• Stage II–Usually a tumor that can mostly be removed by surgery but very small amounts of the cancer are left in the liver
• Stage III–Usually a tumor that cannot be completely removed and the cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes
• Stage IV–Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body
• Recurrent–The disease has returned after treatment, to the liver or in another part of the body

What Are the Symptoms of Hepatoblastoma?

The following are the most common symptoms of hepatoblastoma. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may vary depending on the size of the tumor and the presence and location of metastases. Symptoms may include:

• A large abdominal mass, or swollen abdomen
• Weight loss, decreased appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• Fever
• Itching skin
• Anemia (pale skin and lips from decreased number of red blood cells)
• Back pain from compression of the tumor

The symptoms of hepatoblastoma may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How Is Hepatoblastoma Treated?

Specific treatment for hepatoblastoma will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures and therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Appearance of the tumor under the microscope
• Your opinion or preference

Treatment for hepatoblastoma is generally aimed at resecting (removing) as much of the tumor as possible while maintaining adequate liver function. Liver tissue can regenerate when removed.

Other forms of treatment may include (alone or in combination):

• Surgery (to remove tumor and part or all of the liver)
• Chemotherapy
• Liver transplant (rarely used; only in cases where the tumor cannot be removed otherwise)
• Supportive care (for the side effects of treatment)
• Antibiotics (to prevent and treat infections)
• Continuous follow-up care (to determine response to treatment, detect recurrent disease and manage late effects of treatment)

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Hepatoblastoma?

Prognosis greatly depends on:

• The extent of the disease; presence or absence of metastasis
• The ability to surgically remove the entire tumor
• The tumor's response to therapy
• The size and location of the tumor
• The age and overall health of your child
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
• New developments in treatment

As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from child to child. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential for a child diagnosed with hepatoblastoma. New methods are continually being discovered to improve treatment and to decrease side effects.