Aetiology and pathogenesis of biliary cancer

摘要

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is caused by malignant transformation of the epithelial cell that lines the bile ducts (i.e. cholangiocyte) and accounts for 10-1.5% of hepatobiliary neoplasms. CCA is classified in two types based on its location along the biliary apparatus: intiahepatic and extrahepatic. Although these two entities have similar characteristics, each has discrete epidemiological and clinical features as well as probable independent aetiopathogenetic origins. In this chapter, I discuss the epidemiology, classification, risk factors and pathogenesis of CCA This knowledge should serve as the cornerstone for future studies in order to improve the prognosis, early detection and therapy of such a devastating disease.