Hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy, a rare cancer in pregnancy that still occurrs - a review of the literature

Abstract

Hepato-cellular carcinoma is a primary solid malignancy of the liver cells the origin of which is believed to be the hepatic stem cells. Though it is now considered to be the third leading cause of cancer deaths all over the world, its occurrence in pregnancy is very rare. However, it still occurs. Though the presentation could be dramatic, it is mostly vague and insidious in onset initially. The aim of this review is to attract attention to this rare condition that still occurs and initiate cum sustain a high index of suspicion by Obstetricians to enable early diagnosis when prognosis for treatment is better. A search was made with various search engines in obstetric and related literature using relevant key words. All the materials got were sorted out and analyzed.