Current update on combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma is a rare but unique primary hepatic tumor with characteristic histology and tumor biology.Recent development in genetics and molecular biology support the fact that combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma is closely linked withcholangiocarcinoma, rather than hepatocellular carcinoma. Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma tends to present with an more aggressive behavior and a poorer prognosis than either hepatocellularcarcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma. An accurate preoperative diagnosis and aggressive treatment planning can play crucial roles in appropriate patientmanagement.