Extrahepatic bile duct obstruction in primary carcinoma of the lung: incidence, diagnosis, and non-operative treatment.

Jaundice associated with primary carcinoma of the lung was identified in 19 patients from 1973-1978. Eight of these patients had demonstration of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction (EHBDO). The most frequent histologic type of lung tumor was undifferentiated, occurring in six of the eight patients with proved EHBDO. The EHBDO resulted from metastatic involvement in peripancreatic, periportal, and peribiliary lymph nodes. Metastasis to the common bile duct was rare. However, metastases to the head of the pancreas were a frequent event, being found in six of the eight patients with EHBDO. Discussion of diagnosis and recommendations for treatment are included.