Bile Duct Cancer - Types, Causes and Symptoms
What is bile duct cancer?
Bile duct cancer is also known as cholangiocarcinoma. It is cancer that can develop
anywhere in the tubes called the bile ducts that carry the bile juice produced by the liver.
The bile ducts arise from the liver and merge into the common bile duct that enters the
small intestine. Most cases of this aggressive cancer are difficult to diagnose in the early
stages, although early diagnosis and proper treatment are the only ways to ensure cure and
prevent life-threatening complications. Bile duct cancer can be treated by Surgical Oncologist,
Skedoc will help you for finding the Best Surgical Oncologist in Madhapur near you
Are there different types of bile duct cancer?
There are several bile duct cancer types based on the location of the cancer in the bile duct.
These include
1) Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: This bile duct cancer starts within the bile ducts
inside the liver.
2) Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: this cancer occurs at the junction where the left and
right hepatic bile ducts meet to form the common bile duct, just outside the liver.
This is the most common type of bile duct cancer.
3) Distal Cholangiocarcinoma: This cancer develops in the lower part of the bile duct
near the small intestine. It is also called as extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
What causes bile duct cancer?
The exact cause of bile duct cancer is not fully understood. There however are several risk
factors that are associated with bile duct cancer development. Some these include
1) Increasing Age: Bile duct cancer is more common in people over the age of 65.
2) Gender: Men are more likely to develop bile duct cancer than women.
3) Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): this is a chronic liver disease that damages the
bile ducts and increases the risk of developing bile duct cancer.
4) Liver Fluke Infection: Parasitic worms called liver flukes infect the bile ducts and
increase the risk of developing bile duct cancer. This parasitic infection is more
commonly seen in people living in certain parts of Asia.
5) Hepatitis B and C: Chronic infection with hepatitis B or C can cause liver damage and
increase bile duct cancer risk.
6) Smoking: Smoking increases bile duct cancer risk as well as the risk of developing
other cancers.
What are the symptoms of bile duct cancer?
Bile duct cancer symptoms usually appear very late in the disease, and this is one of the
main reasons why the cancer is not detectable in its early stages. Book Doctor Appointment Online
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Some bile duct cancer symptoms that are seen include:
1) Jaundice: presents as a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Jaundice
develops due to a build-up of bilirubin in the blood.
2) Abdominal Pain: Pain is present in the upper part of the abdomen on the right side.
3) Itching: The build-up of bile salts in the body causes severe itching all over the body
4) Unexplained Weight Loss: There is loss of weight without dieting or exercise.
5) Fever: Low-grade fever for extended periods is another symptom that is seen in
some people.
6) Nausea and Vomiting: The build-up of bile in the body leads to nausea and vomiting.
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