Pathological Diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma has a heterogeneous histologic appearance due to the various anatomic sites it can arise from, ranging from small intrahepatic interlobular bile ducts to the common bile duct. Using common sampling techniques including needle core biopsy, exfoliative brushing, and aspiration cytology, the diagnosis can be established using morphologic criteria, immunohistochemistry, ancillary cytogenetics, and molecular-based techniques. Pathologic staging is reported according to the site of tumor origin.