Carcinoid tumor of the common bile duct case report and review of literature

ABSTRACT

Primary carcinoid tumor of the extrahepatic bile ducts [EHBD] is a rare tumor. A 31 year old male presented with vague right upper abdominal pain associated with jaundice and pruritus of 8 weeks duration. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed dilated biliary ducts and gall bladder, but no definite mass was identified. At operation, a mass was palpated in the proximal common bile duct [CBD] adjacent to the cystic duct junction. Microscopic examination proved the mass to be carcinoid tumor with prominent lymphovascular and perineural invasion. Immunostains were positive for chromogranin A and synaptophysin. Electron microscopy revealed electron dense granules in the cytoplasm of the cells. Metastasis in one hilar lymph node was seen. Postoperative course was uneventful. Six months later, the patient is free of the disease. Carcinoid tumor at the EHBD is described along with review of literature