Hepatobiliary Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer in a Frail Patient and the Role of Immunohistochemistry and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A Case Report

Primary cholangiocarcinoma (malignancy of the bile ducts) is potentially a treatable malignancy via surgery. It presents with a derangement in the liver function blood test results, which results in raised bilirubin. It may also be accompanied by the complaint of itching of skin, dark urine, and light color stool. Bile duct metastasis from primary colorectal cancer, although a very rare condition presents with similar symptomatology and blood test results. Immunohistochemistry staining of tissue biopsy has significantly improved differentiation, detection, and hence plan management of both malignancies (cholangiocarcinoma and bile duct metastasis from primary colorectal cancer). The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is important with the insertion of a stent towards symptom relief when palliative management is indicated in patients with an incurable disease.