Carcinoma in choledochal cysts. Age-related incidence.
We examined a case of malignant degeneration that occurred as a long-term complication of a choledochal cyst. Analysis of the literature shows the incidence of carcinoma varies with age at the initial appearance of symptoms. The child with a choledochal cyst that appears before 10 years of age carries a minimum risk (0.7%) of subsequent malignant degeneration compared with the patient in the second decade (6.8%) and older (14.3%). Data suggest that carcinoma may be readily overlooked at the time of choledochal cyst exploration. In light of the findings, an age-adjusted strategy for management should be used.
D000231:Adenocarcinoma, Papillary / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003137:Common Bile Duct Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D003138:Common Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003560:Cysts / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D012306:Risk