Digestive Health Center

Liver Tumor & Hepatoblastoma Clinic

The Pediatric Liver Tumor and Hepatoblastoma Clinic cares for infants, children and teens with liver or bile duct tumors. Our specialists diagnose and treat all types of pediatric liver cancer, including hepatoblastoma, childhood hepatocellular carcinoma, childhood undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver, and infantile choriocarcinoma of the liver. Because liver cancer is rare in children, each patient needs individualized care from experts. UCSF's international liver tumor board meets monthly to discuss challenging cases and optimize treatment strategies.

Our care team includes renowned pediatric specialists in cancer, surgery, gastroenterology, radiology, interventional radiology, medical genetics and pathology, as well as providers with expertise in specific types of pediatric liver cancer. In a setting thoughtfully designed to make kids and families feel comfortable, these doctors work closely together to ensure your child receives the best possible care.

What's more, we have the most advanced techniques available for diagnosing and treating children with liver or bile duct tumors. Imaging and genetic testing provide information about the specific tumor, which helps us to customize treatment plans. Our approach to your child's care may include conventional surgery, minimally invasive procedures, chemotherapy, and therapies that can target the specific molecular makeup of the tumor. When a liver transplant is necessary, we work with our Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, a national leader in transplantation that has made the process safer and more successful.

Throughout your child's time with us – from evaluation and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up – our social work and child life teams will be there for your family. These specialists provide information, connect you with resources and offer emotional support.

To make life easier during this challenging time, we offer video appointments in addition to in-person visits.

Our locations (1)

    Related conditions

    • Caroli disease

    • Cholangiocarcinoma

    • Choledochal cysts

    • Fibrolamellar carcinoma

    • Focal nodular hyperplasia

    • Hepatoblastoma

    • Liver hamartoma

    • Liver hemangioendothelioma

    • Liver hemangioma

    • Liver sarcoma

    • Nodular regenerative hyperplasia

    • Recurrent liver tumor after treatment or transplant

    Related clinics

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

      Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Gastroenterology and G I Surgery, 2024-2025

      One of the nation's best for gastroenterology & GI surgery

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals for Cancer, 2024-2025

      Best in Northern California for cancer care

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

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    Preparing for Your Child's Surgery

    If your child is having surgery, there are many details about how to prepare, what to bring, and what to expect during and after surgery. Learn more.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Our research initiatives

    • ucsf-division-of-pediatric-gi-hepatology-and-nutrition-research-2x

      UCSF Division of Pediatric GI, Hepatology & Nutrition Research

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    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

    school-re-entry-program-2x

    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

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    Resources for physicians

    Whether you're referring a patient, seeking a second opinion or looking for professional education opportunities, you'll find resources on the UCSF Pediatric Cancer Program's MedConnection hub. We look forward to partnering with you!

    Tender wagging care

    Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.

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