Benign liver tumors and cysts in childhood

Abstract

Nineteen children with benign liver tumors have been treated at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, between 1950 and 1972. One third of these tumors were found in babies less than 1 wk of age, and most were hemangiomas. Those that were symptomatic (platelet trappers) were urgent surgical problems and accounted for all three deaths. The older infants and children all had signs and symptoms for less than 3 mo and presented with an upper abdominal mass. Angiography was the best investigative tool. An attempt has been made to isolate the important factors in diagnosing and treating these benign liver tumors. Nineteen children with benign liver tumors have been treated at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, between 1950 and 1972. One third of these tumors were found in babies less than 1 wk of age, and most were hemangiomas. Those that were symptomatic (platelet trappers) were urgent surgical problems and accounted for all three deaths. The older infants and children all had signs and symptoms for less than 3 mo and presented with an upper abdominal mass. Angiography was the best investigative tool. An attempt has been made to isolate the important factors in diagnosing and treating these benign liver tumors.