A case of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma due to thorotrast deposition, well-controlled by radiofrequency ablation therapy

An 87-year-old man with an enlarged hepatic tumor was referred to our institute by a medical examination center. He had been diagnosed with a malignant liver tumor through several contrast imaging studies. Because of the patient’s age, the underlying disease, and the absence of bile duct invasion on imaging, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was selected as a treatment option. A histological examination during the RFA procedure revealed the tumor to be a cholangiocellular carcinoma. In addition, the deposition of Thorotrast, a contrast agent used in the 1930s to 1950s, was suspected in the background liver collected simultaneously. Radiofrequency ablation was performed twice for recurrent lesions, and the tumor was controlled for roughly 3 years following the initial treatment. A case of intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma due to Thorotrast deposition was observed and successfully controlled by RFA. Since intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma from Thorotrast deposition occurs multicentrically and intrahepatically, RFA and other local therapies may present effective options for older patients with cholangiocarcinoma who are at a higher risk of surgical resection intolerance.