Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Klatskin tumor
Introduction
Overview
Overview
A Klatskin tumor is a cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the biliary tree) occurring at the confluence of the right and left hepatic bile ducts[1]. Because of their location these tumours present late and therefore are usually not resectable at the time of presentation.
Prognosis
Prognosis
Prognosis remains poor today.
Treatment
Treatment
Surgery
- Complete resection of the tumour offers hope of long term survival and of late there has been renewed interest in liver transplantation from deceased donors along with adjuvant therapy.
Reference
Reference
- ↑ KLATSKIN G. Adenocarcinoma of the hepatic duct at its bifurcation within the porta hepatis. An unusual tumor with distinctive clinical and pathological features. Am J Med 1965;38:241-56. PMID 14256720
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]