Hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy - A case report

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting in pregnancy is very rare, and experience treating this condition is limited. Past reports have emphasized the need for pregnancy termination as part of treatment. CASE: A young, otherwise healthy woman was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma in the second trimester. Her only risk factor was a six-year history of oval contraceptive use. She opted to maintain the pregnancy and was treated with surgical resection in the form of a right hepatectomy. Both she and her chilli were alive and well 24 months following surgery. CONCLUSION: Hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy can be successfully treated by surgical resection without adjuvant therapy; pregnancy termination is not mandatory.