Liver tumors

Abstract

Primary malignant liver tumours are rare and account for 1-2% of all solid tumours in childhood. Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare solid tumor in infancy and toddlers that accounts for approximately 55% of all malignant liver tumours. The incidence is approximately 1 case per 1,000,000 children. The description of morphological and histological differences between HB and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was a major discovery under the aspects of treatment efficiency and outcome for the children. The observation of an increased HB incidence in children born before 28 weeks gestation (birth weight below 1500 g) compared to children born at term is difficult to explain. The exposure of endogenous metabolites, hormones, as well as exogenous toxic substances e.g. drugs could influence the tumour development of dividing hepatoblasts.