The set definition of distal cholangiocarcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the pancreatic head is challenged by their close anatomical relation, similar growth pattern, and corresponding therapeutic outcome. They show a mutual development during embryologic organ formation and share phenotypic characteristics. This review will highlight the similarities with regard to the common origin of their primary organs, histopathological similarities, and modern clinical management. Thus, we propose to subsume those entities under a common superfamily.
Keywords: Bile duct neoplasm; cholangiocarcinoma; pancreatic neoplasm.
© 2015 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.