Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare but serious cancer that occurs in the bile ducts, which are responsible for carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine. Bile helps in the digestion of fats, and any obstruction or tumor in the bile duct can disrupt this essential process. Early diagnosis is crucial, as symptoms often remain silent until the cancer progresses. Treatment varies based on the location and stage of cancer, but timely intervention offers hope.
There are three main types of bile duct cancer based on their location:
Understanding the type is key to determining the most effective treatment strategy.
Symptoms of bile duct cancer can be vague and are often mistaken for other conditions. Common signs include:
If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, it’s important to consult a oncologist for further evaluation.
Several factors may increase the risk of developing bile duct cancer:
By identifying risk factors, you can take proactive steps in managing your health and seeking timely medical advice.
Tumour arising within liver can progress from solitary to multiple, one side to both sides and blood vessels. Tumours outside liver may spread to blood vessels, lymph node and adjacent organ (causing jaundice and vomiting).
Diagnosis involves a combination of imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds to detect abnormalities in the bile ducts. Blood tests may check liver function, while a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken, helps confirm the presence of cancer. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes, making regular check-ups essential for those at risk.
Treatment depends on the cancer's location and stage. Surgery is often the primary option for localized tumors.
Experts at our Centre for Cancer at Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai will work closely with patients to create a personalized bile duct cancer treatment plan that balances effectiveness with quality of life, offering a path forward with hope and support.
The three most effective steps to reduce your chances of developing bile duct cancer are:
A patient had an insulin-producing tumour in his pancreas, known as insulinomas. It was critical as high insulin production leads to life-threatening attacks of seriously low blood sugar. It was difficult to diagnose this tumour at first. The patient repeatedly visited multiple hospitals before reaching us. He received a new lease of life when his tumour was finally diagnosed at Kokilaben Hospital.
Traditional operations for pancreatic resection are Whipples procedure or distal/partial pancreatectomy. Given the small size of the tumour, operations like this would have rendered the patient a diabetic. Hence, a rare pancreas preserving procedure was performed.
The patients sugar level is normal and he is out of danger.
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