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World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. Aug 15, 2014; 5(3): 188-199
Published online Aug 15, 2014. doi: 10.4291/wjgp.v5.i3.188
Review to better understand the macroscopic subtypes and histogenesis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Yuichi Sanada, Yujo Kawashita, Satomi Okada, Takashi Azuma, Shigetoshi Matsuo
Yuichi Sanada, Yujo Kawashita, Satomi Okada, Takashi Azuma, Shigetoshi Matsuo, Department of Surgery, Nagasaki Prefecture Shimabara Hospital, Nagasaki 8550861, Japan
Author contributions: Sanada Y contributed most of this review; Kawashita Y, Okada S, Azuma T and Matsuo S contributed equally to the figures.
Correspondence to: Dr. Yuichi Sanada, Department of Surgery, Nagasaki Prefecture Shimabara Hospital, 7895, Shimokawajiri, Shimabara, Nagasaki 8550861, Japan. ysanadasurg@hotmail.com
Telephone: +81-957-631145 Fax: +81-957-634864
Received: January 28, 2014
Revised: May 1, 2014
Accepted: May 28, 2014
Published online: August 15, 2014
Processing time: 219 Days and 1.6 Hours
Abstract

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is macroscopically classified into three subtypes, mass-forming-type, periductal infiltrating-type, and intraductal growth-type. Each subtype should be preoperatively differentiated to perform the valid surgical resection. Recent researches have revealed the clinical, radiologic, pathobiological characteristics of each subtype. We reviewed recently published studies covering various aspects of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), focusing especially on the macroscopic subtypes and stem cell features to better understand the pathophysiology of ICC and to establish the valid therapeutic strategy.

Keywords: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma; Hepatic progenitor cells; Macroscopic subtype

Core tip: We reviewed recently published studies covering various aspects of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), focusing especially on the macroscopic subtypes and stem cell features to better understand the pathophysiology of ICC and to establish the valid therapeutic strategy.