[Primary pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the liver]

Two female adults with primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the liver were operated on in 1981 and 1987 in the Department of Surgery in the University Hospital of Hamburg-Eppendorf (Germany). In both cases a hemihepatectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the younger woman received adjuvant chemotherapy. Both patients are still alive. Both cases are reviewed with reference to the unusual findings in the liver combined with a really short history. In addition, the possibilities opened up by the diagnostic are measures discussed. Contrary to the literature, this rare malignant tumour seems to be curable if it is diagnosed early and treated while confined to the liver.