Hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy. A case report.

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting in pregnancy is very rare, and experience treating this condition is limited. Past reports have emphasized the need for pregnancy termination as part of treatment.

CASE

A young, otherwise healthy woman was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma in the second trimester. Her only risk factor was a six-year history of oral contraceptive use. She opted to maintain the pregnancy and was treated with surgical resection in the form of a right hepatectomy. Both she and her child were alive and well 24 months following surgery.

CONCLUSION

Hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy can be successfully treated by surgical resection without adjuvant therapy; pregnancy termination is not mandatory.