Primary carcinoma of the cystic duct.

We described a case of primary carcinoma of the cystic duct that conforms to previously established criteria. To our knowledge, this is the 21st recorded case; it was accidentally discovered during cholecystectomy. The features of all 21 cases are reviewed. Since these tumors tend to be treated surgically at an early stage because of the relatively early developement of clinical symptoms, such as right upper abdominal pain and palpable mass, caused by the obstruction of the cystic duct, the prognosis is better than that of other extrahepatic bile duct carcinomas.