Cholangiocarcinomas (Bile Duct Cancer)

Cholangiocarcinomas (bile duct cancer) - What it is

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) is more commonly known as bile duct cancer. The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and is essential for life. It is involved in many processes of the body, such as producing bile, essential proteins and nutrients. Bile ducts within the liver join together to form one main bile duct, located just outside the liver (at the hilum), which carries bile to the small intestine. This main bile duct is called the common hepatic duct. The cystic duct joins the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct, and the combined duct is called the common bile duct.

Cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary cancer of the liver, after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It arises from cells lining the bile ducts (cholangiocytes).

They can occur within the liver (intrahepatic) or near the liver hilum (perihilar) or beyond the liver (extrahepatic or distal). Although they are rare, these cancers are highly lethal because most are diagnosed at advanced stages. Even in early stages, post-resection their rates of recurrence remain significant.

What are the types of Cholangiocarcinomas (Bile Duct Cancer)?

CCA is categorised into three types:

Intrahepatic CCA – the cancer occurs in the bile ducts within the liver
Hilar CCA – the cancer occurs in the bile ducts just outside of the liver. It is the most common form of CCA. It is also known as perihilar CCA or "Klatskin" tumours.
Distal CCA – the cancer originates outside the liver, in the bile ducts nearest to the small intestine. It is also known as extrahepatic CCA.