Oncologic Imaging : a Multidisciplinary Approach (Second Edition) - Chapter 11: Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) refers to cancers that arise from biliary epithelium. These tumors can occur anywhere along the biliary tree and are divided into extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC) and intrahepatic cholangio (ICC), with ECC lesions subclassified into peri and distal lesions. This practical classification is based on anatomy and surgical management. Cancers of the gallbladder (GB) are part of the CCA family, but have a different clinical presentation and therapeutic approach. In this chapter, we present the epidemiology, clinical presentation, anatomy, pathology, staging, pattern of spread, treatment, recommendations for surveillance, and recommendations for a complete radiologic report of patients with CCA. The chapter is divided into sections corresponding to ICC and ECC, and gallbladder cancer (GB CA).