What is bile duct cancer?
One of the most common diseases of the bile duct is bile duct cancer. This type of cancer ranks fifth among the most common cancers in the digestive system. It is mostly seen in individuals aged 60 and over, and if left untreated, it can progress rapidly.
What are the causes of bile duct cancer?
The most common causes of bile duct cancer include inflammation of the gallbladder, bile duct cysts, Hepatitis B-C, ulcerative colitis, gallstones, advancing age, obesity, and carriers of typhoid.
What are the symptoms of bile duct cancer?
The initial symptom of bile duct cancer is painless jaundice. Itching, caused by the accumulation of bilirubin under the skin, is another significant symptom. In the later stages of the disease, there may be significant weight loss.
How is bile duct cancer diagnosed?
Detecting bile duct cancer in its early stages is crucial for treatment. In the examination of bile duct cancer, the first step is the ultrasound of the liver’s bile duct. If there is dilation in the bile ducts, cross-sectional images are taken using computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biopsy or smears can be taken using ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). A clinical presentation of jaundice, itching, and weight loss, along with a tumor marker CA19-9 level of 100 U/ml, supports the diagnosis. Diagnosis methods are determined based on the patient’s health, age, symptoms, and previous test results.
How is bile duct cancer treated?
The treatment for bile duct cancer is based on the surgical removal of the tumor. Surgical removing (resection) of the gallbladder and bile ducts is necessary. However, because bile duct cancer progresses insidiously, when the diagnosis is made, more than half of the patients have usually lost the chance for surgery. For patients who can still undergo surgery, the Whipple procedure is performed. For those with advanced-stage disease where surgery is not an option, various methods are used to relieve jaundice and pain, including endoscopic procedures, pain management, and percutaneous drainage (radiological intervention).
