Kentucky Infant Diagnosed With Rare Liver Cancer Following Mother's Observations

Hannah Damron of Kentucky observed a small knot on the right side of her daughter Miley's abdomen shortly after birth. The knot was not always easy to feel and sometimes seemed to disappear. Damron also noted that Miley's belly appeared larger than those of other babies.

At around seven months old, Miley lost interest in food. The family scheduled a pediatrician appointment after symptoms persisted. An ultrasound revealed a large mass on Miley's liver. Miley was sent to the emergency room and transferred to Kentucky Children's Hospital.

She was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit after lab work returned critically abnormal results. Further testing showed hepatoblastoma. Newsweek reported that hepatoblastoma is a rare embryonal cancer affecting 1.5 to 2 children per million each year.

It accounts for just over 1 percent of pediatric cancer cases and is the most common primary liver tumor in infants and young children, with most diagnoses before age three. Miley has undergone chemotherapy, surgeries, bloodstream infections, and multiple PICU stays. She responded well to chemotherapy, prompting her medical team to administer one additional round before surgery.

Damron set up a GoFundMe to help cover Miley's medical care. "We realized her story could help raise awareness, especially for other parents who might notice something that just doesn't seem right," Damron said.