Etiopathogenetic criteria for the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma in children

Abstract

A review article is devoted to diagnostical etiopathogenetic criteria of hepatoblastoma in pediatric patients. There is a distinguished cytogenetic analysis that detects only a limited amount of structural and numerical anomalies in hepatoblastomas; histopathological assessment of liver bioptats which facilitates treatment tactics. Distinctive laboratory findings in pediatric hepatoblastoma are microcytic anaemia, reactive thrombocytosis, and elevated alpha-fetoprotein. The immunohistochemical analysis allows the assessment of the nuclear expression of INI1 (SMARCB1) and the exclusion of malignant rhabdoid liver tumours. There is recommended hepatic doppler ultrasonography, as well as a three-dimensional assessment of primary tumour sizes and tumour volume to reveal the extent of hepatoblastoma according to the PRETEXT system. Radiography and computed tomography of the chest organs are advised to determine hepatoblastoma’s metastases.