BILE DUCT CANCER

TYPES

Depending on where the cancer takes place in the bile ducts, bile duct cancer is categorized into different types.

• Distal

This type of cholangiocarcinoma cancer is found in the distal region, which flows through the pancreas closest to the small intestine.

• Intrahepatic

Occasionally categorized as a kind of liver cancer, this type of cholangiocarcinoma cancer takes place in the area of the bile ducts within the liver.

•  Hilar

This type of cholangiocarcinoma cancer happens in the area of the bile ducts outside the liver.

SYMPTOMS

The common symptoms of bile duct cancer include:

• Extreme itchy skin
• Fatigue
• White-colored stools
• Yellowish skin
• Whitish eyes
• Sudden weight loss

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, go to the doctor immediately. Don’t disregard your symptoms to avoid making them worse.

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose this cancer, your doctor may do a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and medical history. If the doctor suspects bile duct cancer, you may need to go through these tests:

• Tumor marker test
• Liver function test
• Imaging test
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography test
• Biopsy

If your health care provider confirms a diagnosis of cancer, he/she may attempt to figure out the stage or extent of cancer. The stage of your cancer helps figure out your treatment and prognosis choices.

TREATMENT

The treatment for bile duct cancer may vary depending on the severity of your condition. Treatments available are:

• Biliary drainage
• Chemotherapy
• Liver transplant
• Photodynamic therapy
• Surgery

Since bile duct cancer is very difficult to treat, don’t be afraid to seek medical help. Ask your doctor how to treat the condition, and ask for the things you need to do in order to manage the symptoms.