A rare liver tumor in childhood: Hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma is the most common hepatic malignancy in children. In recent years, diagnosis and treatment have been improved in hepatoblastoma, and long survival has become possible. Intraabdominal mass and elevated alpha-fetoprotein level raise suspicion for hepatoblastoma. However, it is important to consider age-appropriate normal values when assessing alpha-fetoprotein levels in infancy. For the diagnostic steps, use of abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is required. In the light of these data, PRETEXT stage is determined. The appropriate surgical management strategy for hepatic tumors begins at the initial radiological assessment and continues through the processes of biopsy and tumor resection. The International Childhood Liver Tumor Strategy (SIOPEL) Group recommends preoperative chemotherapy in order to make the tumor more likely to be safely and completely resected. Liver transplantation must be considered when complete tumor excision by partial hepatectomy is unlikely.