What Is Bile Duct Cancer?
Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare cancer that develops in the bile ducts. These ducts are thin tubes that carry bile from your liver to your gallbladder and small intestine.
Types of Bile Duct Cancer
-
Intrahepatic - occurs inside the liver
-
Perihilar - develops where ducts exit the liver
-
Distal - affects ducts near the small intestine
Risk Factors
- Chronic liver diseases
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Age (typically affects people over 65)
- Liver fluke infections
- Bile duct stones
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Common Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Itchy skin
Diagnosis
Initial Tests
- Blood tests
- Liver function tests
- Tumor markers
Imaging Studies
- CT scan
- MRI
- MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
Treatment Options
Surgery
- Complete removal of tumor
- Partial liver resection
- Liver transplantation in select cases
Other Treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Palliative Care
- Stent placement
- Pain management
- Nutritional support
Prognosis and Outlook
Prognosis varies depending on:
- Cancer stage at diagnosis
- Location of tumor
- Overall health status
- Treatment response
Living with Bile Duct Cancer
- Regular medical follow-up
- Dietary modifications
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Support groups
- Mental health care
Prevention
- Regular check-ups
- Liver health maintenance
- Avoiding risk factors
- Healthy lifestyle choices