Hepatobiliary cancers are common worldwide and highly lethal. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common hepatobiliary malignancy and the seventh most common cancer worldwide. Gallbladder cancer is the most common biliary tract malignancy, accounting for approximately 5000 newly diagnosed cases in the United States. Cholangiocarcinomas are diagnosed throughout the biliary tree and are usually classified as intrahepatic or extrahepatic. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas arise from intrahepatic small-duct radicals, whereas extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas encompass hilar carcinomas (including Klatskin's tumors). These guidelines discuss these subtypes of hepatobiliary cancer and the epidemiology, pathology, etiology, staging, diagnosis, and treatment of each subtype.
For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org
The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center was established in 1986 and soon after designated a “comprehensive” center by the National Cancer Institute. Michigan's team approach to caring for cancer patients is driven by two truths: that cancer is a complex disease and that each patient is truly unique.
Under the direction of Max S. Wicha, MD (second photo on the cover), a nationally known researcher in breast oncology and an active clinician, the center's 335 physicians and researchers work together in multidisciplinary teams to rapidly bring new prevention, detection, and treatment discoveries to its cancer clinics. Groundbreaking research efforts are under way there, including research into cancer stem cells, nanotechnology, and targeted molecular therapies. Discoveries in the laboratory are quickly translated into new ideas for prevention and treatment, making translational research the cornerstone of all cancer care there.
In addition, the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center looks at healing the whole person, not just the disease, offering patient and family support services—including grief and loss counseling, fertility counseling, and art therapy—to ease the stress and solitude of serious illness.