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Cholangiocarcinoma in Italy: A national survey on clinical characteristics, diagnostic modalities and treatment. Results from the "Cholangiocarcinoma" committee of the Italian Association for the Study of Liver disease.

Authors :
Alvaro D
Bragazzi MC
Benedetti A
Fabris L
Fava G
Invernizzi P
Marzioni M
Nuzzo G
Strazzabosco M
Stroffolini T
Source :
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver [Dig Liver Dis] 2011 Jan; Vol. 43 (1), pp. 60-5. Date of Electronic Publication: 2010 Jun 26.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Background: Very few studies assessed cholangiocarcinoma clinical characteristics.<br />Aim: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of intra-hepatic (IH) and extra-hepatic (EH)-CCA.<br />Methods: We performed a national survey based on a questionnaire.<br />Results: 218 cholangiocarcinomas were observed (47% EH-CCA, 53% IH-CCA) with an age at the diagnosis higher for EH-CCA. Coexistence of cirrhosis or viral cirrhosis was more frequent in IH-CCA than EH-CCA. An incidental asymptomatic presentation occurred in 28% of IH-CCA vs 4% EH-CCA whilst, 74% EH-CCA vs 28% IH-CCA presented with jaundice. 91% of IH-CCA presented as a single intra-hepatic mass, whilst 50% of EH-CCA was peri-hilar. In the diagnostic work-up, 70% of all cholangiocarcinoma cases received at least 3 different imaging procedures. Tissue-proven diagnosis was obtained in 80% cholangiocarcinoma. Open surgery with curative intent was performed in 45% of IH-CCA and 29% EH-CCA. 18% IH-CCA vs 4% EH-CCA did not received treatment.<br />Conclusions: In Italy IH-CCA is managed as frequently as EH-CCA. In comparison to EH-CCA, IH-CCA occurs at younger age and is more frequently associated with cirrhosis and with an incidental asymptomatic presentation. In contrast, most EH-CCAs are jaundiced at the diagnosis. Cholangiocarcinoma diagnostic management is cost- and time-consuming with curative surgical treatment applicable more frequently in IH-CCA.<br /> (Copyright © 2010 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1878-3562
Volume :
43
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
20580332
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2010.05.002