Which statement about Klatskin tumor is true?

Which statement about Klatskin tumor is true?

• A. It occurs at junction of the right and left hepatic ducts
• B. It occurs in gallbladder
• C. It arises from pancreatic duct
• D. It is a metastasis

Answer: (A)

Klatskin tumor is a cancer of the bile ducts that arises specifically at the hilum, at the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts. This perihilar cholangiocarcinoma blocks bile flow right where the ducts meet, which is why this location statement is true. It is a primary biliary tract malignancy, not located in the gallbladder, not arising from the pancreatic duct, and not a metastasis. Understanding its hilum location helps distinguish it from tumors of the gallbladder or pancreas and from metastatic spread.

Klatskin tumor is a cancer of the bile ducts that arises specifically at the hilum, at the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts. This perihilar cholangiocarcinoma blocks bile flow right where the ducts meet, which is why this location statement is true. It is a primary biliary tract malignancy, not located in the gallbladder, not arising from the pancreatic duct, and not a metastasis. Understanding its hilum location helps distinguish it from tumors of the gallbladder or pancreas and from metastatic spread.