Primary tumours of the liver in children: an African perspective

Primary tumours of the liver present diagnostic and management difficulties. In Africa, outcomes reflect limitations imposed by comorbidity and lack of resources, both human and material, for major liver resection. Whilst hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma can be readily distinguished on clinical and biochemical grounds, there is a high incidence of sarcomatous tumours that mandate biopsy. In our experience, hepatocellular carcinoma in childhood is a lethal condition, usually bilateral and associated with hepatitis B infection. Sarcomatous tumours are often resectable but have a high rate of local recurrence. Hepatoblastoma is a surgically curable tumour in many patients. Resection for benign liver tumours can be safely accomplished and augments institutional experience with major liver surgery.