Pediatric liver tumors--a pictorial review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Hepatology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Hepatic masses represent 5-6% of pediatric intra-abdominal masses.
• Malignant liver tumors are the third most common intra-abdominal malignancy in children, following Wilms' tumor and neuroblastoma.
• Benign liver tumors account for approximately one-third of pediatric liver masses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the typical clinical and imaging characteristics of primary liver tumors in children.
• To aid in the differential diagnosis of pediatric hepatic masses.
• To distinguish between benign and malignant pediatric liver tumors.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentation and laboratory findings, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
• Analysis of characteristic imaging features on various modalities.
• Correlation of clinical and imaging data with tumor type (benign vs. malignant).

Main Results:

• Differential diagnosis is guided by patient age, clinical data (especially AFP levels), and imaging findings.
• Malignant tumors are more common than benign tumors in the pediatric population.
• Specific clinical and imaging patterns are associated with distinct benign and malignant entities.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of pediatric liver tumors relies on integrating age, clinical context, and imaging.
• Understanding these characteristics is crucial for timely and appropriate management of pediatric hepatic masses.
• This review provides a framework for differentiating benign and malignant primary liver tumors in children.