Changing patterns of cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer: A regional perspective from Northeastern Italy

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Due to the lack of information regarding disease markers, characterization tools, and early detection methods, mortality continues to increase. The disease can be classified into two main groups: Intrahepatic CCA and extrahepatic CCA, the second of which is further subdivided into perihilar CCA and distal CCA. Certain regions are found to be at higher risk due to the presence of different contributing factors. These include hepatobiliary diseases, extrahepatic conditions, and environmental exposures. CCA shows a sex-related disparity, affecting men more than women, and its incidence rises progressively with age. These risk factors likely contribute to the rising incidence observed in certain regions, as each region is predominantly affected by distinct factors, resulting in wide geographical variations in CCA incidence. Epidemiological reports published before 2000 indicate a global increase in the incidence of intrahepatic CCA, whereas the incidence of extrahepatic CCA is reportedly decreasing. The present study offers an important epidemiological perspective by analyzing the incidence trends of gallbladder malignancies over a 17-year period in Northeastern Italy, analyzed according to sex and age groups.