What are Liver Tumours (Hepatoblastoma)?
Liver tumours in children are rare. The most common type is hepatoblastoma, which mainly affects babies and young children under the age of three. It develops from early liver cells and can grow before symptoms become obvious.
A much smaller number of children develop hepatocellular carcinoma, which tends to affect older children or those with underlying liver conditions.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- a swollen or firm tummy
- a lump under the ribs
- poor appetite or slow weight gain
- tiredness or low energy
- nausea or vomiting
- feeling full quickly
- yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice – less common)
These symptoms can also be caused by many other non-cancer childhood conditions and do not necessarily mean cancer.
How is it Diagnosed?
If a liver tumour is suspected, your child will be referred to a specialist centre. Tests may include:
- ultrasound – often the first investigation
- MRI or CT scans – to assess the tumour’s size and location
- blood tests – including liver function tests and AFP (a tumour marker often raised in hepatoblastoma)
- biopsy – to confirm the diagnosis
- chest imaging – to check if the tumour has spread to the lungs
These results help guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment
Treatment for hepatoblastoma usually involves chemotherapy and surgery. The aim is to shrink the tumour, remove it safely and treat any cancer cells that may have spread.
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Chemotherapy
Most children receive chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumour and make it easier to remove. Chemotherapy may also be given after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. -
Surgery
Surgery aims to remove all or most of the tumour. This may involve:
– removing part of the liver (partial hepatectomy)
– major liver resection for larger tumours
The liver has the ability to regenerate, meaning it can grow back after surgery. -
Liver Transplant
A transplant may be recommended if the tumour cannot be safely removed or if it affects both sides of the liver. This is more commonly used for hepatoblastoma than for other childhood liver cancers. -
Radiotherapy
Rarely used for liver tumours but may be considered in specific cases. -
Targeted or Newer Therapies
Certain tumours may benefit from targeted medicines or newer treatments offered through clinical trials, especially if the tumour returns or proves difficult to treat.
Supportive Care
Your child may receive:
- medicines for sickness or pain
- nutritional and feeding support
- transfusions if blood counts fall
- antibiotics or antifungals
- emotional and psychological support
- physiotherapy if needed
- help managing day-to-day routines
Because the liver plays a key role in digestion and metabolism, supportive care is especially important.
Monitoring Response
Scans, AFP blood tests and other investigations are used throughout treatment to check how well the tumour is responding and to guide decisions about surgery or additional therapy.
Outlook & Support
Many children with hepatoblastoma respond very well to treatment, especially if the tumour is detected early and can be removed. Outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma vary more widely, but treatments and research continue to improve.
During treatment your child will be cared for by a specialist children’s cancer team. Help is available with managing side effects, nutrition, school, emotional wellbeing and practical concerns.
Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund will support your whole family from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
Key Facts
- Common Age: Most common in children under 3
- Survival: Around 70–85% for localised hepatoblastoma
- How common? Rare, accounting for a small percentage of childhood cancers
