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Childhood hepatocellular carcinoma (childhood HCC) is a rare type of malignant (cancerous) tumor that forms in the cells and tissues of the liver.[11859] Childhood HCC is usually found in older children and adolescents (10-14 years), but has been found in children younger than 5.[11860] Symptoms may include a mass in the abdomen, a swollen and painful abdomen, weight loss, poor appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), vomiting, fever, itchy skin, and a decreased number of red blood cells (anemia).[11858][11859] The cause of childhood HCC is not well understood; however, underlying disorders that cause liver dysfunction (ex. hepatitis B) and congenital or genetic disorders that affect the liver (ex. tyrosinemia type 1) may increase the risk for childhood HCC to occur.[11859][11860] Treatment options vary depending on a variety of factors including the stage of the cancer and may include surgery to remove the tumor and chemotherapy.[11859]
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