Pathophysiology
Summary
Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignancy originating from the bile duct epithelial cells, and can be intrahepatic or extrahepatic (more common) in origin. Risk factors include primary sclerosing cholangitis, cirrhosis, and chronic viral hepatitis, and Clonorchis sinensis infection.
Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma often presents with signs of biliary obstruction such as jaundice, pruritus, & conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, as well as light-colored or acholic stools, and dark-colored urine. In contrast, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma often manifests as dull RUQ pain and may show increased alkaline phosphatase & GGT levels. Both types can present with nonspecific constitutional symptoms like fatigue, fever, malaise, and weight loss.
Diagnosis involves imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Additionally, tumor markers like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) contribute to diagnosis, along with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which can be used to differentiate intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma. A palpable gallbladder (Courvoisier sign) is a rare but classic indicator. Unfortunately, cholangiocarcinoma is often too advanced for surgical intervention at the time of diagnosis; palliative stenting may be employed to relieve symptoms in advanced cases.
Lesson Outline
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FAQs
Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer that originates from the epithelial cells lining the bile ducts. It can develop in the intrahepatic bile ducts, although the majority of cases are extrahepatic. Key risk factors for developing cholangiocarcinoma include primary sclerosing cholangitis, cirrhosis from various causes such as chronic infection or alcoholism, chronic viral hepatitis C and B, and infection with the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis.
The clinical presentation of cholangiocarcinoma varies depending on its location. Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma commonly presents with signs of biliary obstruction, such as jaundice, pruritus, conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, light-colored or acholic stools, and dark-colored urine. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, on the other hand, may manifest as dull right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and GGT. Nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, fever, malaise, and weight loss may also occur, often indicating advanced disease.
Diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma typically involves imaging studies such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Tumor markers like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA 19-9) may also be elevated and can assist in the diagnosis. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is particularly useful for differentiating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from hepatocellular carcinoma.
Biliary cysts are benign dilatations that occur along the biliary tree, both within and outside the liver. They can be congenital or develop due to environmental factors such as an abnormal pancreaticobiliary junction or following a cholecystectomy. While biliary cysts themselves are benign, they carry an increased risk of malignant transformation, including the development of cholangiocarcinoma, and are therefore often surgically removed.
Biliary cysts are most commonly observed in pediatric patients under the age of 10. They often present with a classic triad of symptoms: jaundice, abdominal pain, and a palpable mass. These symptoms serve as key indicators for diagnosis and often prompt further evaluation and treatment.
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