Liver & Bile Duct Tumors

All childhood liver tumors require careful assessment, and we use state-of-the-art methods including advanced MRI imaging and (where needed) imaging-directed biopsy to characterize tumors and to develop treatment plans.

Not all tumors are caused by cancer, but whenever there is suspicion for cancer, we collaborate closely with our pediatric cancer specialists and adult liver cancer specialists to provide management for all types of liver cancer including hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and others.

Our program includes pediatric radiologists, interventional radiologists (doctors trained to do procedures using imaging such as imaging-directed liver biopsy), and liver surgeons.  We also have close relationships with U-M’s adult liver specialists and adult cancer specialists, to assist us in the management of children and adolescents with cancers that are more commonly seen in adults.  This multidisciplinary, collaborative team allows us to rapidly characterize liver tumors, and to discuss with experts in each particular area the full range of treatment options for each tumor type in order to provide the best possible outcome for patients.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) & Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Also known as metabolic-assicated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), we have developed a specialized approach to this liver problem including specific laboratory diagnostic studies, imaging of the liver, timing of a liver biopsy, and recommended treatment for the problem.

Portal Hypertension

Children can develop portal hypertension (high pressure of blood within the vessels draining to the liver) due to scarring within the liver (cirrhosis), or abnormalities of the liver blood vessels. Most children with portal hypertension do not require liver transplantation, but all require specialized care to minimize the risk of complications.  Our center offers a broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to help children with portal hypertension.
 
After the first clinic visit, each case is carefully reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors including liver specialists and surgeons, as well as pediatric radiologists and interventional radiologists (doctors trained to do procedures with a catheter using imaging).  This team develops an individualized recommendation for management of the portal hypertension that balances risks and benefits to achieve the best possible outcome.  Patients receiving care under within the program can be followed regularly by our liver specialists, often in collaboration with their referring physician.

Second-Opinion Consultations

A medical second opinion is a valuable resource when you are faced with a diagnosis of complex liver disease. The pediatric liver specialists at Mott Children’s Hospital offer second opinion consultations for families whose child has been given a diagnosis of suspected liver disease or liver tumor. We also provide consultations with referring physicians in the assessment of abnormal liver laboratory results and imaging findings.