American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test

Hepatoblastoma is the correct term for liver cancer that primarily affects children. It is a type of embryonal tumor that typically occurs in young children, most commonly under the age of three. This malignancy originates from the immature liver cells and is distinct from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is more prevalent in adults and is associated with risk factors such as chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Hepatoblastoma often presents with symptoms like abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes, and it may be associated with genetic conditions such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis. The treatment usually involves surgical resection and chemotherapy, which can be quite effective when caught early.

Recognizing the distinction between hepatoblastoma and other forms of liver cancers like cholangiocarcinoma, which arises from the bile duct epithelium, is crucial in pediatric oncology for diagnosis and subsequent management.