CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF CHOLANGIOCELLULAR CARCINOMAS

Abstract

Clinicopathological features of cholangiocellular carcinoma were investigated in 13 patients treated at the department since 1985 by dividing them into two groups, the massive type and nodular type. The serum level of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 was positive in approximately 83% of the patients with a mean value of 520 U/ml. There were 7 cases of massive type and 6 cases of nodular type, 10 cases of peripheral type and 3 cases of hilar type. On ultrasonography (US) and CT, the massive type was characterized by heterogenous internal echo with irregular margin; hilar nodular type by homogenous internal echo with irregular margin; and peripheral nodular type by homogenous internal echo with regular margin. On hepatic angiography, the massive type was characterized by encasement and interruption and nodular type by neovascularization. The massive type grew infiltratively, and the nodular type expansively. Histologically, vascular and lymphatic vessels and intra- and/or perineural invasion were noted in both groups. Hepatic resection was performed in 11 of 13 patients. Metastasis was commonly found in the liver and lung. Nodular type of cholangiocellular carcinoma had a good prognosis compared with that of massive type.