Clinical aspects of cholangiocarcinoma and its comparison with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Fiftynine biopsy proven cholangiocarcinomas were seen over 16 years. Maximum cases belonged to 41-50 years age group, and there was no sex difference. Common presenting features were abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and jaundice. Liver scan revealed cold area in 80% cases. Follow up was available in 42% cases, all of whom died within 6 months of first examination. The frequency of abdominal mass, hepatomegaly and jaundice was high in cholangiocarcinoma group (P <0.05) than in hepatocellular group, while anorexia and weight loss was more pronounced in the latter group. Biochemically cholangiocar cinomas showed significantly higher values of total (JPMA 38: 209, 1988).