Paediatrics: Primary liver tumours

Primary liver tumours

·  Hepatoblastoma (HBL) is the commonest primary paediatric hepatic tumour (<1% all cancers), with 2/3 of cases in the first year of life.

·  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) an embryonal (undifferentiated) sarcoma of the liver are rare in children.

·  Serum AFP levels are raised in >80% HBL.

Treatment

·  Chemotherapy including platinum drugs and anthracyclines for HBL.

·  Good surgical result is critical for long-term survival. Liver transplant is indicated if local resection not possible.

·  Treatment is the similar for HCC, although they are less sensitive to chemotherapy.

·  Embryonal sarcoma is usually treated on soft tissue sarcomas protocols.

Prognosis 

Long-term survival for HBL is >70%, even in presence of lung metastases. Survival for HCC is significantly lower.