Extracystic biliary carcinoma associated with anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction and cysts

Anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction with cystic dilatation of the biliary tract is usually associated with carcinoma arising from the cyst wall. We report an extracystic location of biliary carcinoma in the presence of anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction and cysts in a patient with obstruction of the origin of the left hepatic duct who underwent hepatobiliary resection. Cholangiocarcinoma was found to have arisen in a noncystic left hepatic duct, in conjunction with cystic dilatation involving both the cystic and common bile ducts. The present case supports a relationship between anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction and biliary carcinogenesis that may affect the extracystic biliary tree.