What is one of the types of liver cancer that affects the bile ducts?

Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of liver cancer that specifically arises from the bile ducts. This cancer can develop at any point along the biliary tract, which includes the intrahepatic bile ducts (within the liver) and the extrahepatic bile ducts (outside the liver). Cholangiocarcinoma is recognized for its association with various risk factors such as chronic inflammation, bile duct conditions, and certain liver diseases.

Hepatocellular carcinoma, on the other hand, originates from hepatocytes, the main liver cells, and is not related to the bile ducts. Focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatic adenoma are benign liver conditions, and neither involves malignant transformation of bile duct epithelial cells, distinguishing them from cholangiocarcinoma. Understanding the origin of different liver cancers is crucial for diagnosis and treatment strategies, making cholangiocarcinoma a significant focus in hepatobiliary oncology.