Anabolic-androgenic anabolic steroids as a probable risk factor for hepatoblastoma in infants

The etiology of hepatoblastoma (HB) is still unknown; several risk factors have been identified. The only risk factor for the development of HB in presented case was the child's father using anabolic androgenic steroids. It may be a risk factor for developing HB in their children.

HB is the most common primary liver cancer in children. Its etiology is still unclear. The patient's father's use of androgenic anabolic steroids could be a risk factor for developing HB in his child. A 14-month-old girl was hospitalized with intermittent fever, severe abdominal distention, and anorexia. On initial examination, she was cachectic and pale. There were two hemangioma-like skin lesions in the back. Huge hepatomegaly was found and the ultrasound showed a hepatic hemangioma. The possibility of malignancy was considered due to the severe enlargement of the liver and the increased levels of the alpha-fetoprotein. An abdominopelvic CT scan was performed and finally, the diagnosis of HB was confirmed by pathology. There was no history of congenital anomalies or risk factors for HB.Also we did not find any risk factors in the mother's history either. The only positive finding in the father's history was the use of anabolic steroids for bodybuilding. Anabolic-androgenic anabolic steroids may be one of the possible causes of HB in children.