Scalp recurrence of cholangiocarcinoma after curative hepatectomy: A report of two cases

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinomas are the second most common primary liver malignancies. The lymphatics are the common route of metastatic spread for cholangiocarcinomas. The most frequent sites of metastasis are the liver, abdominal lymph nodes, peritoneum and lungs. Cutaneous metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma is rare, and most commonly occurs following percutaneous biliary drainage. Brain or skull metastases from this tumor are uncommon. However, these rare metastatic lesions may occasionally be the first disease manifestation, although scalp recurrence following curative treatment is uncommon. We herein present the cases of two patients with cholangiocarcinoma, who were evaluated as resectable based on the criteria for cholangiocarcinoma resectability, and developed scalp recurrence following curative hepatectomy. Therefore, although scalp recurrence is a rare occurrence following curative treatment for cholangiocarcinoma, metastases should be included in the differential diagnosis.