Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) Detected by Sonography

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a malignant disease process that develops within the small branches of the biliary system within the liver. It is one of two types of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The patient in this case study experienced general abdominal and pelvic discomfort when further sonographic evidence proved there to be a moderate amount of fluid within the pelvic and abdominal cavities, suggesting a malignant process. Three types of growth processes related to ICC require different methods of treatment, thus making it imperative for the sonographer to identify the origin of the disease process. Appropriate knowledge of sonographic landmarks such as the biliary tree, liver, hepatic veins, and portal system is an important factor when evaluating normal and abnormal right upper quadrant structures. This case study focuses on the importance of sonography when detecting the size and location of ICC to determine an appropriate treatment method for this disease process.