Liver CT Appearances

Common Bile Duct (CBD) Cholangiocarcinoma CT Findings

• Thickened, enhancing bile duct wall
• Papillary or nodular mass
• Intrahepatic bile duct dilatation
• Staging:
  • T1: Tumor confined to bile duct histologically   
  • T2: Tumor beyond the wall of bile duct   
  • T3: Tumor invades liver, GB, pancreas, but no involvement of celiac axis, or the superior mesenteric artery   
  • T4: Tumor involves the celiac axis or the superior mesenteric artery 

Other Information About Common Bile Duct (CBD) Cholangiocarcinoma

Etiology:

• Unknown
• Increased risk in patients who smoke or have diabetes

Epidemiology:

• Typically presents after age 65

Presentation:

• Jaundice
• Itchy skin
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Dark urine
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Fever

Prognosis:

• The 5-year relative survival rates for intrahepatic bile duct cancer are:
  • Localized: 23%
  • Regional: 9%
  • Distant: 3%
  • All SEER stages combined: 9%
• The 5-year relative survival rates for extrahepatic bile duct cancer are:
  • Localized: 18%
  • Regional: 18%
  • Distant: 2%
  • All SEER stages combined: 11%

Related Pearls: Cholangiocarcinoma