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Most children with a liver tumor will have a doppler ultrasound as the initial imaging study. This type of imaging can distinguish solid masses from fluid-containing masses and determine whether or not the tumor contains lots of blood vessels. It can also show the relationship of the tumor to the normal blood vessels of the liver, and help target optimal sites for tumor biopsy.
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with CT or MR angiography are the definitive diagnostic studies that provide precise anatomic detail, vascular information, and tumor size. This information is critical to determining response to chemotherapy and resectability of the tumor. At Texas Children’s Hospital, we have created novel high-resolution MR sequences for measuring tumor volume, vascular anatomy, and perfusion, which can be performed with free-breathing without the need for endotracheal intubation and breath-holding.
Some liver tumors, such as vascular tumors like hemangioendothelioma, may benefit from targeted embolization, which is performed in a state-of-the-art interventional radiology laboratory at Texas Children’s Hospital. The Interventional Radiology Laboratory is headed by physicians who are some of the foremost experts in the world in the study of hepatic vascular tumors.
Hepatocellular carcinoma may benefit from targeted treatment in the state-of-the-art interventional radiology laboratory at Texas Children’s Hospital. Our experienced interventional radiologist can perform chemoembolization or radiofrequency ablation to help children with hepatocellular carcinoma.
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