Malignant epithelial tumours of the liver in infancy and childhood

Abstract

Malignant epithelial tumours of the liver are the most common carcinomas of infancy and childhood. Primary tumours of the liver in childhood and infancy usually occur without antecedent cirrhosis and most case reports appear to be from parts of the world where, primary carcinoma of the liver with its possible relationship to cirrhosis, is a rare entity (Bigelow Wright, 1953). The main symptom is gradual enlargement of the abdomen with development of a definite mass in the right upper quadrant. In most cases, at the time of first admission, the liver is enlarged down to the level of or just below the umbilicus. The duration of life from the onset-of symptoms varies from 2 months to 2 years.