Paraneoplastic syndromes in cholangiocarcinoma

World J Hepatol. 2020 Nov 27;12(11):897-907. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v12.i11.897.

Abstract

Paraneoplastic syndromes are the symptoms or signs which result from damage to tissues that are distant from the site of malignancy, due to complex interactions between the body's immune system and malignant neoplasm. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive epithelial malignancy of hepatobiliary tree and it is found to be associated with various paraneoplastic syndromes. These syndromes can present as dermatological, neurological, renal, hematological, or multi-systemic manifestations. Clinical suspicion and timely recognition of these syndromes can lead to early diagnosis of covert malignancies like CCA. The management plan remains the removal of the underlying cause which in this case is CCA.

Keywords: Biliary tree; Cholangiocarcinoma; Immune system; Malignancy; Multi-organ; Paraneoplastic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review