Question
A 2-year-old boy was diagnosed with an abdominal mass and confirmed to have hepatoblastoma after being examined by several hospitals. The family is concerned about the treatment possibilities and related costs, as well as the treatment methods.
Answer
Hepatoblastoma, although a malignant tumor, has a relatively high cure rate, especially in pediatric patients. If the tumor invades both right and left lobes of the liver, direct surgery can be more challenging. It is recommended to further test for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment plan usually involves chemotherapy first to shrink the tumor size, followed by an assessment of whether surgery is suitable for resection. The specific cost depends on the treatment plan and the hospital’s fee standards.