Bile duct cancer is also called cholangiocarcinoma. Cancer develops within the bile duct system, a group of small tubes that transport bile fluid from the liver to the gallbladder. Cholangiocarcinoma occurs mainly in people older than 50, though it can occur at any age. Bile is discharged into the small intestine as food passes through the digestive system, which helps digestion and makes it easier for the body to absorb fats.
Cholangiocarcinoma types are as follows:
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Get A Second OpinionSigns of bile duct cancer include:
If you have persistent fatigue, stomach pain, jaundice, or other unpleasant symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. If necessary, they could refer you to a digestive diseases specialist (gastroenterologist).
Experts don't know precisely what causes cholangiocarcinoma. But when bile duct cells encounter alterations in their DNA, cholangiocarcinoma develops. The instructions a cell needs to function are encoded in its DNA. The modifications instruct the cells to proliferate uncontrolled and accumulate into a mass of cells (tumor) capable of entering and damaging healthy body tissue.
Factors that increase the risk of Bile Duct Cancer include:
Bile duct cancer can cause a number of complications, including:
Bile duct cancer is a relatively challenging medical condition to diagnose. The following tests may be recommended for a conclusive diagnosis:
Bile duct cancer treatment strategies are designed based on a number of variables, including the type of tumor, stage of cancer, size, age, and general health of the patient. The tumor and a piece of the liver or gallbladder may be surgically removed in stage 1 and 2 patients.
The course of treatment for cancer in its advanced stages will depend on how many lymph nodes and organs have been impacted. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are occasionally used to treat symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients.
Surgery is thought to be the main method of treatment for bile duct cancers. The removal of the following tissues may be necessary during surgery, depending on cancer's stage and extent:
The doctor can suggest a procedure to clear the bile duct if the tumor is blocking it. The symptoms of this condition, such as stomach discomfort, itchy skin, and jaundice, may be treated with this therapy.
A stent, a small metal or plastic tube, is used to unclog the bile duct. The bile duct is dilated, and the flow of bile is restored using this stent. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be used to introduce it (ERCP).
Stents are placed using a modified version of the percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) method. During this procedure, small incisions are made in the stomach to place the stent and restore the bile flow.
To lower the chance of recurrence, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used as adjuvant treatments following the surgery. Additionally, individuals with bile duct cancer get this treatment to alleviate their symptoms and stop the spread of the disease.
Similar to radiation therapy, chemotherapy can also be given as an adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence or as a soothing therapy to slow the progression of the condition and ease its symptoms.
In individuals with bile duct cancer, photodynamic treatment is a novel method for reducing tumor size. Although it does not treat the condition, this procedure helps manage the symptoms. A laser is later administered through an endoscope to shrink the tumor to make the cancerous cells more receptive to light. The symptoms of the condition are minimized by this treatment, which also enhances the patient's quality of life.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Seek medical attention if you experience unusual symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, and weight loss. | Ignore any symptoms or signs of bile duct cancer. |
| To lower the risk of developing bile duct cancer, keep a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, and stick to a healthy diet. | Smoke or drink excessive alcohol |
| Keep track of your medications and discuss any side effects with your doctor. | Skip or delay appointments or treatments recommended by your doctor. |
| Ask your doctor about regular screening and monitoring for bile duct cancer. | Take excessive amounts of vitamin supplements without checking with your doctor. |
| Stay informed about bile duct cancer, treatment options, and support resources. | Stop your treatment without discussing it with your doctor. |
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentAt Medicover Hospitals, we have the most renowned team of hepatologists, oncologists, gastroenterologists, and healthcare professionals who can offer our patients the best medical care while showing compassion and care. In our diagnostic division, we can carry out the necessary tests to detect Bile Duct Cancer thanks to modern methods and technology. The condition's diagnosis and treatment are approached systematically by our outstanding team of hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and oncologists. They deliver the necessary medical care and rehabilitative services to treat this illness effectively.
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