S3257 Aggressive Metastatic Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma in a Young Patient

Abstract

Introduction: Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy of biliary tree, with its incidence, particularly of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, rising in the United States. This case highlights diagnostic challenges in a young patient with metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Case Description/Methods: A 40-year-old African American woman with a history of recurrent hidradenitis suppurativa presented with right-sided abdominal and flank pain, nausea, 100 lb unintentional weight loss, and oligomenorrhea over 2 years. No malignancy workup was done until worsening symptoms led to hospital admission. Computed tomography Abdomen/Pelvis revealed hepatomegaly with innumerable hepatic masses, multiple pulmonary nodules and bilateral inguinal lymph nodes. Liver biopsy revealed malignant glandular cells forming infiltrative nests and glands, positive for CK7 and CDX-2, and negative for CK20, GATA-3, TTF-1, p40, and HepPar-1. Despite treatments including cisplatin/gemcitabine/durvalumab, pemigatinib, and FOLFOX, the disease further progressed with spinal, sternal, pulmonary, hepatic, and soft tissue metastases. Discussion: Cholangiocarcinoma typically presents between ages 60–70, but increasing cases in younger individuals demand attention. This patient, diagnosed at age 37 with no identifiable risk factors, exemplifies the need to consider malignancy in patients with persistent weight loss and systemic symptoms. Her delayed diagnosis highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion and addressing potential barriers to timely care. The advanced stage at diagnosis in this patient raises questions about potential factors contributing to the delay. While specific causes are uncertain, studies suggest that socioeconomic status and racial disparities can play a role in delayed diagnosis and access to guideline-recommended diagnostic procedures. These factors underscore the need for improved healthcare access and early detection strategies, particularly for younger patients who may face barriers to timely and comprehensive cancer care. This case highlights the critical need for heightened awareness, improved early detection strategies, and equitable healthcare access for young patients presenting with persistent symptoms, as cholangiocarcinoma increasingly affects younger individuals with often advanced disease at diagnosis and poorer outcomes, despite the lack of identifiable risk factors.