Fact 3: Symptoms to Watch Out For
It begins quietly, a slight distension of the abdomen that might be shrugged off as regular bloating from a child’s recent meal. However, for parents and caregivers, this seemingly minor symptom should be cause for concern if it persists. The abdomen’s swelling can be indicative of a tumor’s growth in the liver, pressing against other internal organs and making its presence felt. Such a tumor, while initially silent in its progression, manifests outwardly in this manner. As hepatoblastoma is primarily an ailment of infants and very young children, any such anomaly in their tiny tummies needs swift attention.
In the roller-coaster growth trajectory of children, weight can be a tricky metric. They might put on pounds during growth spurts and lose some during phases of heightened activity. But herein lies the crux – any sudden and unexplained weight loss, without an apparent dietary or activity change, is deeply concerning. When hepatoblastoma advances, it might disrupt the liver’s regular functions, leading to decreased appetite and malabsorption of nutrients. This, in turn, can cause the child to lose weight. The silent ailment can thus betray its presence through the weighing scale.
Picture the soft, gentle hue of a sunrise. Now, imagine that color spreading across a child’s eyes and skin. That’s jaundice for you. While common in newborns due to their liver’s developmental stages, jaundice in older infants and toddlers is a warning sign. The liver, affected by the tumor, struggles to process bilirubin, a waste product. This results in a yellowish tint to the skin and eyes. While jaundice can have multiple causes, in conjunction with other symptoms, it might point to hepatoblastoma.
Children fall sick, and fevers or vomiting bouts are often par for the course. Yet, there’s a thin line between what’s typical and what’s alarming. Extended episodes of high temperatures, especially without any other common cold or flu symptoms, need scrutiny. Similarly, consistent vomiting, not linked to any digestive upset, can be a sign of liver distress. The body, sensing something amiss, might be trying to rid itself of toxins or stress, leading to these symptoms. (3)
