Cholangiocarcinoma Flashcards
1
Q
Where do cholangiocarcinomas arise from?
A
The bile duct epithelium
2
Q
Outline the pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma formation
A
- Infection/inflammation/injury leading to mutation of genes including K-RAS, b-catenin, p53 etc.
- Most are adenocarcinomas
- Most stain for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
3
Q
What are the risk factors for development of cholangiocarcinoma?
A
- Chronic liver disease/cirrhosis/EtOH use
- Biliary disease e.g. choledocholithiasis
- Ulcerative colitis
- HIV
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
4
Q
What are the likely history/exam findings in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma?
A
- Risk factors
- Painless jaundice
- Uncommonly - weight loss
- Uncommonly - abdo pain, pruritus
5
Q
What would be sensible tests to run to confirm a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma?
A
- LFT/albumin/coags
- Serum CEA, CA 19-9
- US abdo/CT/MRI
6
Q
How is cholangiocarcinoma managed?
A
- Surgical intervention
- Resection of tumour
- Oncological intervention
- Chemo/radiotherapy
- Liver transplant
