What is the most common type of cholangiocarcinoma?

What is the most common type of cholangiocarcinoma?

• A. Distal cholangiocarcinoma
• B. Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
• C. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
• D. Klatskin tumor

Answer: (D)

Most cholangiocarcinomas occur in the perihilar region, where the right and left hepatic ducts join at the hepatic hilum. This location is classically termed perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and is also known as a Klatskin tumor. It represents the largest share of cholangiocarcinomas—roughly half to the majority—making it the most common type. Tumors in this area cause biliary obstruction and dilation of ducts upstream, which helps explain common imaging and clinical features. In contrast, intrahepatic lesions occur inside the liver and distal tumors arise further down the common bile duct; these locations are less common than perihilar tumors.

Most cholangiocarcinomas occur in the perihilar region, where the right and left hepatic ducts join at the hepatic hilum. This location is classically termed perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and is also known as a Klatskin tumor. It represents the largest share of cholangiocarcinomas—roughly half to the majority—making it the most common type. Tumors in this area cause biliary obstruction and dilation of ducts upstream, which helps explain common imaging and clinical features. In contrast, intrahepatic lesions occur inside the liver and distal tumors arise further down the common bile duct; these locations are less common than perihilar tumors.