Bile duct cancer

Bile Duct Cancer
Other names	Cholangiocarcinoma
Specialty	Oncology
Symptoms	Jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss
Complications	Liver failure, metastasis
Risk factors	Primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver fluke infection
Diagnostic method	Imaging, biopsy
Treatment	Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
Prognosis	Variable
Frequency	Rare

Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts, which are the slender tubes that carry the digestive fluid bile. Bile duct cancer is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that can occur in different parts of the bile duct system.

Classification

Bile duct cancer is classified based on its location:

• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Occurs in the bile ducts within the liver.
• Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: Occurs at the hilum, where the left and right hepatic ducts join and exit the liver.
• Distal cholangiocarcinoma: Occurs in the bile ducts outside the liver, closer to the small intestine.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of bile duct cancer can include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itching
• Dark urine
• Pale stools

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of bile duct cancer is not well understood, but several risk factors have been identified:

• Chronic inflammation of the bile ducts, such as in primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Liver fluke infections, particularly in parts of Asia
• Bile duct cysts
• Chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bile duct cancer typically involves a combination of:

• Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Biopsy to obtain tissue samples for histological examination

Treatment

Treatment options for bile duct cancer depend on the location and stage of the cancer:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for resectable bile duct cancer. This may involve removal of part of the liver or bile duct.
• Chemotherapy: Used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
• Radiation therapy: Often used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy.
• Palliative care: To manage symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced cases.

Prognosis

The prognosis for bile duct cancer varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and the success of treatment. Early-stage cancers that can be completely removed surgically have a better prognosis, while advanced-stage cancers have a poorer outlook.

Epidemiology

Bile duct cancer is rare, with higher incidence rates in Southeast Asia, where liver fluke infections are more common. In Western countries, it accounts for a small percentage of all cancers.

See Also

• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Gallbladder cancer

References

• American Cancer Society. "Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)."
• National Cancer Institute. "Bile Duct Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version."