Klatskin tumor is located at the junction of which ducts near the hepatic hilum?

• A. Right and left hepatic ducts
• B. Common bile duct and cystic duct
• C. Main pancreatic duct
• D. Intrahepatic ducts only

Answer: (A)

Klatskin tumor refers to a perihilar cholangiocarcinoma that arises at the biliary confluence near the hepatic hilum. Specifically, it develops at the junction where the right and left hepatic ducts join to form the common hepatic duct, right at the porta hepatis. This location explains the name and its clinical pattern, since obstruction at the confluence can block bile drainage from both lobes of the liver. It isn’t located at the junction of the common bile duct with the cystic duct, nor in the main pancreatic duct, and it isn’t confined only to intrahepatic ducts—the hallmark is its origin at the hepatic duct confluence at the hilum.