Histopathological spectrum of paediatric hepatic tumours at a tertiary laboratory in Tshwane, a report of nine cases

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ABSTRACT

  • 1Segwagwa PKM,
  • 2Mhlongo LN ,
  • 3Motlhatlego KE ,
  • 4Thobakgale NM
  • 1Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Pretoria, South Africa
  • 2Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Pretoria, South Africa
  • 3Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Pretoria, South Africa
  • 4Department of Anatomical Pathology, Dr George Mukhari Tertiary Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, Sou

Background

Paediatric hepatic tumours, though rare, are significant, and are influenced by genetic, dietary, and environmental factors. Survival rates vary across regions with poorer outcomes observed in low and middle income countries due to high infectious disease burdens, late stage presentation, limited healthcare access and nonspecific symptoms that resemble common childhood illnesses. The low prevalence highlights the need for research into this rare, yet aggressive tumours to better understand the clinicopathological features and aid in diagnosis and management.

Method

This was a descriptive retrospective study that analysed histopathological reports of paediatric hepatic tumour cases diagnosed at a Tertiary Laboratory in Tshwane over a 10-year period. Data was obtained from the National Health Laboratory Service laboratory, Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW), the demographic and clinicopathological data was captured on Microsoft Excel and analysed using STATA version 18.

Result

A total of 66 paediatric liver biopsies from patients aged 0-18 years were received during the study period, 9 cases were hepatic tumours, representing a 13.6% prevalence. The mean age was 3.56 years, with most tumours (77.8%; 7/9) occurring in children aged 0 to 5 years. A male predominance was seen accounting for (78%; 7/9). Liver masses were the most common clinical presentation. Hepatoblastoma was the most common (78%; 7/9) while hepatocellular carcinoma and undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma were least diagnosed (11%, 1/9 each). Among hepatoblastoma histopathological subtypes, the mixed was most frequent (50%), followed by fetal (33.3%).

Conclusion

Hepatoblastoma was the most common paediatric liver tumour, with a male predominance, common in children under 5 years, and frequent presentation was liver masses. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring risk groups for prevention and early detection. Future research should focus on multi-centre collaboration to better understand paediatric hepatic tumours.
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PRESENTING AUTHOR

Ms. Pearl Keatile Segwagwa, BSc Biomedicine, BSc Hons (MS) Anatomical Pathology, MSc (Med)

Student, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Pearl is a postgraduate student who is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Medicine, with research interests rooted in molecular pathology. She is passionate about advancing knowledge in disease mechanisms and is an aspiring medical scientist committed to contributing to academic and diagnostic research.
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