Which of the following is a recognised risk factor specifically for cholangiocarcinoma rather than for hepatocellular carcinoma?

• A Chronic hepatitis B infection
• B Aflatoxin exposure
• C Haemochromatosis
• D Infestation with Clonorchis sinensis ✓

Explanation

Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini, liver flukes endemic in East Asia, chronically inflame the biliary epithelium and predispose specifically to cholangiocarcinoma. Other recognised cholangiocarcinoma risk factors include primary sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis, choledochal cysts, and prior Thorotrast exposure. Chronic hepatitis D, haemochromatosis, and aflatoxin ingestion are established risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma, acting through cirrhosis or direct genotoxicity of hepatocytes, and are not linked to malignancy of the biliary epithelium.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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