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©2008 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. May 21, 2008; 14(19): 2995-2999
Published online May 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.2995
Published online May 21, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.2995
Review of endoscopic techniques in the diagnosis and management of cholangiocarcinoma
Katherine Nguyen, James T Sing Jr, Scott & White Clinic, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas 76508, United States
Correspondence to: Katherine Nguyen, MD, Scott & White Clinic, Texas A & M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas 76508, United States. knguyen@swmail.sw.org
Telephone: +1-254-7242274
Fax: +1-254-7247210
Received: October 15, 2007
Revised: February 19, 2008
Published online: May 21, 2008
Revised: February 19, 2008
Published online: May 21, 2008
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignancy of the biliary tract. Key factors in determining therapeutic options include knowledge of tumor extent, anatomy and obtaining tissue diagnosis. Endoscopically, there are three modalities available to make the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. These include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration and cholangioscopy. Management of cholangiocarcinoma endoscopically is typically confined to stent placement for palliative purposes or as a bridge to surgery. In this article, we will review the endoscopic techniques available for the diagnosis and management of cholangiocarcinoma.
Keywords: Cholangiocarcinoma; Endoscopic ultrasound; Endoscopic cholangiopancreatography; Cholangioscopy; Diagnosis; Management