Bile Duct Cancer

What is bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)?

Next to gallstones, cancer is the most common cause of bile duct obstruction. Most bile duct cancers come from cancers that originated in the pancreas.

What are the symptoms of bile duct cancer?

The following are the most common symptoms of bile duct cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• abdominal pain
• poor appetite
• weight loss
• itching

The symptoms of bile duct cancer may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is bile duct cancer diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for bile duct cancer may include the following:

• ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs of the abdomen such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
• computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
• cholangiography - x-ray examination of the bile ducts using an intravenous (IV) dye (contrast).
• biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope.
• endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) - a procedure that allows the physician to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. The procedure combines x-ray and the use of an endoscope - a long, flexible, lighted tube. The scope is guided through the patient's mouth and throat, then through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The physician can examine the inside of these organs and detect any abnormalities. A tube is then passed through the scope, and a dye is injected which will allow the internal organs to appear on an x-ray.
• endoscopic ultrasound - an endoscopic ultrasound, or EUS, involves utilizing an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube) through a patient’s mouth or anus to confirm or diagnose certain gastrointestinal disorders.

Treatment for bile duct cancer

Specific treatment for bile duct cancer will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history 
• extent of the disease 
• cause of the disease 
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies 
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• surgery
  Surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue, as well as nearby noncancerous tissue.
  
• external radiation (external beam therapy)
  External radiation is a treatment therapy that precisely sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. The machine is controlled by the radiation therapist. Since radiation is used to kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors, special shields may be used to protect the tissue surrounding the treatment area. Radiation treatments are painless and usually last a few minutes. Radiation therapy may be given after surgery, to kill small areas of cancer that may not be seen during surgery, or instead of surgery. Radiation may also be used to ease (palliate) symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or blockage. 
  
  
• chemotherapy
  Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to treat cancerous cells. In most cases, chemotherapy works by interfering with the cancer cell’s ability to grow or reproduce. Different groups of drugs work in different ways to fight cancer cells. The oncologist will recommend a treatment plan for each individual.

Last updated 4/08.  Revised by Sohrab Mobarhan, MD.

Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web.