Hilar cholangiocarcinoma associated with clonorchiasis

Pathologic and epidemiologic evidence support the relationship between the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis and the development of bile duct cancer. We report here a case of cholangiocarcinoma in a Laotian immigrant originally diagnosed with clonorchiasis. This case demonstrates the importance of early recognition and treatment of this disease to prevent subsequent morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis and treatment of clonorchiasis as well as the possible modes of cancer induction are discussed.