Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Gross Appearance and Corresponding Pathologic and Radiologic Features

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical and pathologic features of each type of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma,which is divided into three types according to gross appearance, and to determine the efficacy of CT in detectingthis tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pathologic and CT features of 53 surgically proven cases of intrahepaticcholangio-carcinoma were reviewed. On the basis of their gross appearance, the tumors were divided into threetypes, as follows mass forming (n=33), periductal infiltrating (n=6), and intraductal growth type (n=14). CTscans were analyzed for sensitivity of detection and correlation between a tumors appearance and itshistopathology. RESULTS: The most common histopathologic feature of mass forming and periductal infiltrating typewas tubu-lar adenocarcinoma, while in the intraductal growth type, papillary adenocarcinoma (100%) was common.With regard to pattern of tumor spread, intrahepatic and lymph node metastasis were more common in the massforming and periductal infiltrating type than in the intraductal growth type. CT findings including intra-hepaticmass, ductal wall thickening or intraductal mass associated with segmental dilatation of intrahepataic bile ducts,corresponded with these morphologic types. CONCLUSION: This classification according to gross appearance is ofconsiderable value when interpreting the pathologic features of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. CT seems to be auseful modality for the detection of tumors and may be consistent with their gross morphologic findings.