Our liver transplant program is one of the world's oldest

Liver Disorders

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Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Malignant liver tumors account for two percent of all childhood cancers, with an incidence rate in the U.S. of 1.6 to one million children annually. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common hepatic malignancies, and is more likely to occur in older children who have chronic hepatitis B or hereditary tyrosinemia. Removing tumors can be difficult as they prone to hemorrhaging and are multicentric. Classic presentation includes abdominal enlargement and pain, fever, weight loss and vomiting. Differential diagnosis from other non-liver masses is an important first step. Preoperative chemotherapy is the standard treatment for new diagnoses; chemotherapy may be used post-surgery as well. If the cancer is unresectable, liver transplant is an option after chemotherapy. It is recommended that patients with hepatic malignancies be referred to a tertiary medical center for care.