Bile Duct Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Categories: HEALTH
Bile Duct Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Cholangiocarcinoma, another name for bile duct cancer, is an uncommon type of cancer that develops in the bile ducts. The digestive fluid known as bile is transported from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine by a system of tubes called the bile ducts. In the small intestine, bile aids in the breakdown of lipids.
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Category |
Information |
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Other Names |
Cholangiocarcinoma |
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Type of Cancer |
Malignant (cancerous) tumor arising from the bile ducts |
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Location |
Network of tubes (bile ducts) that carry bile between the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine |
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Rarity |
Rare |
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Age of Onset |
Typically affects adults in their 70s |
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Causes |
DNA mutations in bile duct cells |
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Risk Factors |
•Primary sclerosing cholangitis (hardening and scarring of bile ducts) •Chronic liver disease •Biliary tract problems at birth (e.g., choledochal cyst) •Liver fluke infection (parasitic worm) • Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) •Obesity • Diabetes • Smoking |
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Symptoms (may not appear until later stages) |
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes) • Intense itching • Abdominal pain •Dark urine •Light-colored or greasy stools •Fatigue •Nausea and vomiting •Unexplained weight loss •Fever |
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Diagnosis |
•Blood tests •Imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) •Biopsy |
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Treatment (depends on stage and location of cancer) |
• Surgery: Aim is to remove as much of the cancer as possible, may involve removing part of the bile duct, liver tissue, pancreas tissue, or lymph nodes. • Liver transplant: In some cases, a liver transplant may be an option. •Biliary drainage: Procedures to restore bile flow (e.g., stents, bypass surgery) •Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells. • Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. •Photodynamic therapy: Uses light to activate a drug that destroys cancer cells. |
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Prognosis |
Varies depending on the stage and type of bile duct cancer. Early detection is crucial for better outcomes. Note: This table provides a general overview. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment specific to your situation. |
Causes of Bile Duct Cancer
Although the precise causation of bile duct cancer is uncertain, bile duct cell DNA alterations are considered to be the cause. Numerous things can lead to these changes, such as:
•Primary sclerosing cholangitis: This is a chronic liver disease that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts.
•Chronic liver disease: This includes conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatitis.
•Biliary tract problems at birth: A condition called choledochal cyst, in which the bile duct is abnormally dilated, is one of the birth malformations that can raise the risk of bile duct cancer.
•Liver fluke infection: Bile duct cancer risk is elevated by liver fluke, a parasitic worm infection that is more prevalent in several regions of the world, including Southeast Asia.
•Inflammatory bowel disease: Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can raise the risk of bile duct cancer.
•Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including bile duct cancer.
•Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of bile duct cancer.
•Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including bile duct cancer.
Symptoms of Bile Duct Cancer
Numerous symptoms are possible with bile duct cancer, though they might not show up until the disease is farther along. Among the most typical signs of bile duct carcinoma are:
•Jaundice: This is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes that occurs when bile builds up in the bloodstream.
•Intense itching: This is a common symptom of bile duct cancer and can be very bothersome.
•Abdominal pain: Pain in the upper right abdomen is a common symptom of bile duct cancer.
•Dark urine: Urine may appear dark brown or tea-colored.
•Light-colored or greasy stools: Stools may be light-colored or greasy due to a lack of bile.