Cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary hepatic malignant tumor and originates from anywhere along the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary tract. Its incidence has increased during the few decades. Risk factors for CCA are infection, biliary stasis or exposure to carcinogen, nevertheless, the exact cause is unknown. The clinical presentations of CCA depend on the location of the tumor. Patients with extrahepatic CCA usually present with painless jaundice, pruritus and dark urine, while patients with intrahepatic CCA complaint of abdominal pain. Surgery is the only curative treatment for patients with CCA. The success of surgical treatment depends on the location and extent of the tumor in the biliary tract. CCA is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease and the prognosis is usually poor.