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The white mass with a few satellite nodules seen here in the liver is a cholangiocarcinoma. Cholangiocarciomas occur less frequently than hepatocellular carcinomas. Identifiable risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma can be similar to those for hepatocellular carcinoma. Viral hepatitis B and C are more strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, though they have been reported with cholangiocarcinoma. Chronic alcoholism has been reported as a risk in both. The most common risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma in the U.S. is primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Cholangiocarcinomas are more common in parts of the world in which persons can be infected with trematodes (liver flukes) such as Clonorchis sinensis. Clinically, cholangiocarcinomas resemble hepatocellular carcinomas. They are rarely diagnosed early, so the prognosis is often poor. |
