Increase in mortality rates from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in England and Wales 1968–1998

Abstract

The observed increase in mortality from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma may represent better case ascertainment and diagnosis due to improved diagnostic imaging, use of image guided biopsies, or increased use of ERCP. However, the trend started before ERCP was introduced nationally, mortality rates have continued to increase steadily thereafter, and there is no clear evidence that diagnostic transfers easily explains the findings. Alternatively, these observations may represent a true increase in intrahepatic bile duct tumours. Epidemiological studies are required to determine whether there is any geographical clustering of cases around the UK.