Comparative analysis of clinicopathological characteristics between childhood and adult hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To explore the clinicopathological differences between childhood and adult hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods A total of 56 childhood HCCs and 112 adult HCCs,which were resected between 1996 and 2004,were retrospectively evaluated.Results The clinical manifestations of HCC were similar between children and adults,while abdominal masses,serum AFP≥400 μg/L,Child-Pugh grade A and Edmondson grade Ⅲ～Ⅳ were more frequently seen in children with HCC.In contrast,the accompanying cirrhosis rate and the 5-year cumulative survival rate after operation were significantly higher in adults.Conclusion Compared with adults,the children with HCC have less severe cirrhosis and better hepatic reserve,and as a result,can tolerate major hepatectomy.However,the children's prognosis was still poorer than the adults' due to delay in diagnosis and high malignant potential of the tumors.Close follow-up in high risk children is advisable.