Carcinoma in choledochal cysts. Age-related incidence
C. R. Voyles, C. Smadja, W. C. Shands and L. H. Blumgart
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.
