Hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma is the most common childhood liver tumor, ~62% of pediatric primary liver malignancies. Arises from embryonic hepatic primordium cells; epithelial-origin; highly malignant; metastasizes via blood/lymph to lung, abdomen, lymph nodes, brain.

Common Symptoms

Pallor; diarrhea; poor appetite; ascites; ptotic liver; anorexia

Causes and Pathogenesis

Abnormal development of embryonic connective tissue; malignant tumor from hepatic primordium cells; may occur in utero (reported at 7-month fetus); adults: embryonic hepatocytes undergoing malignant transformation years later. Mostly right lobe; ~50% bilateral/multicentric; single well-circumscribed 5-25cm nodule; rough nodular/lobulated; half encapsulated; firm; tan-brown to gray-white; may have hemorrhage/necrosis/calcification; usually no cirrhosis. Histology: fetal (well-differentiated, polygonal eosinophilic granular cells, diploid), embryonic (poorly differentiated, small spindle cells, aneuploid, vascular invasion, poor prognosis), mixed (contains osteoid/cartilage/striated muscle/squamous foci/keratin pearls).

Treatment

Surgical, drug, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Etiology unknown; general tumor prevention: avoid carcinogens; boost anti-tumor immunity.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Hepatobiliary Surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.