Radiological Shape of the Tumor Predicts Progression and Survival in Resected Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Background The histological features and radiological shape of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA) have not been widely studied in relation to prognosis. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is thought to be useful in diagnosis of progress and tumor distribution; it can also show morphological differences (round, triangular, and square forms) at the tumoral obstruction sites. Histological types of eCCA may be revealed, with potential association with tumor growth and survival. Methods We examined the distribution of tumor radiological shape subtypes on MDCT. The surgical outcomes of consecutive patients with eCCA who underwent macroscopic curative resection were reviewed. Results CT subtypes in 109 patients were 62 triangular, 35 square, and 12 round. There were clear prognostic differences in long-term survival rates ( P