[Precancerous and early stage cancer of the bile duct system].

Early stage cancer of the bile duct system is still difficult to diagnose. In cases of suspect lesions a stepwise diagnostic procedure consisting of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with MR cholangiography (MRC) and possibly endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with brush cytology should immediately be carried out. If there is a sufficient suspicion for premalignancy or early stage cancer the indications for surgical intervention should clearly be defined. Only resection can lead to a decrease in the recurrence rate and a better long-term outcome. If the patient is in a functionally nonresectable condition the possibility of liver transplantation should be considered.