The Pathophysiology of Cholangiocarcinoma, a Review about Possible Involved Risk Factors

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary hepatic malignancy. CCA is divided into three main categories, Intrahepatic CCA (iCCA), perihilar CCA (pCCA), and distal extrahepatic CCA (eCCA). iCCA is considered to be the most aggressive among all types of CCA. Although the incidence of iCCA are on the rise worldwide, few of the risk factors related to iCCA have been elucidated and many have not been well-recognized. Therefore, an organized categorization of the risk factors is necessary to better understand the causes of iCCA. Consequently, this would help in screening those individuals that are at a higher risk for iCCA. We have proposed a categorization of risk factors based on previously published literature in the following manner: well-established risk factors, emerging risk factors, suspected risk factors, and unknown risk factors. Hence, will help medical and public health professionals in identifying determinants of health that might be highly influential and be able to prevent a disease with a poor prognosis.