Adenoma-carcinoma sequence in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare tumor but recent data report a worldwide increase in incidence and mortality. There are several risk factors associated with cholangiocarcinoma, and chronic inflammation of billiary tree seems to be implied in the cholangiocarcinogenesis, but little is known about this process.

Presentation of case: We present a 56-year-old female with a bile duct adenoma incidentally discovered in the follow up of breast cancer that 18 months later progress to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Discussion: This is a rare presentation of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma that suggests the classic adenoma-carcinoma sequence in cholangiocarcinogenesis. Furthermore this case gives rise to some questions about the possible common ground on intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and breast cancer.

Conclusion: Cholangiocarcinogenesis is a complex multi-step mechanism and further investigations are needed to fully understand this process.