Bile duct cancers are also known as cholangiocarcinomas are a rare but aggressive type of cancer. Contact Cancer Surgery Clinic for bile duct cancer treatment in Mumbai. The bile ducts are a series of thin tubes that go from the liver to the small intestine. Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) can start in any part of the bile duct system. If you have been diagnosed with bile duct cancer or are worried about it, you likely have a lot of questions.
Bile ducts are slender tubes that connect the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. The primary function of the bile duct is to allow the bile juice to flow from the liver to the small intestine, where it aids fat digestion and absorption.
Bile duct cancers are aggressive and are often detected in later stages. However, in a few cases, early detection is possible.
Types of Bile Duct Cancers
- Intrahepatic Bile Duct Cancers: Intrahepatic bile duct cancers form in the smaller bile duct branches within the liver.
- Perihilar Bile Duct Cancers: Also called Klatskin tumors, perihilar bile duct cancers form in the hilum region of the liver.
- Distal Bile Duct Cancers: These cancers form in the further lower region of the bile duct, closer to the small intestine.
Bile Duct Cancer Treatment
The treatment plans for bile duct cancers are devised based on multiple factors such as the type of the tumor, stage of the disease, size, age, and overall condition of the patient. In stage 1 and stage 2 cases, the tumor may be surgically removed along with some portions of the liver and gallbladder.
In advanced-stage cancers, the treatment plan will be made based on how many lymph nodes and organs have been affected. In a few cases, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are performed to relieve symptoms and help patients have a better quality of life.
Early detection and accurate diagnosis are important for bile duct cancers to be treated with positive clinical outcomes.
