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Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancerous (malignant) growth in one of the ducts that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.
Alternative NamesBile duct cancer
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCancerous tumorsof the bile ducts are usually slow-growing and do not spread (metastasize) quickly. However, many of these tumors are already advanced by the time they are found.
A cholangiocarcinoma may start anywhere along the bile ducts. These tumors block off the bile ducts.
They affect both men and women. Most patients are older than 65.
Risks for this condition include:
- Bile duct (choledochal) cysts
- Chronic biliaryirritation
- History of infection with the parasitic worm, liver flukes
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Ulcerative colitis
Cholangiocarcinoma is rare. It occurs in approximately 2 out of 100,000 people.
Symptoms- Chills
- Clay-colored stools
- Fever
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right abdomen that may radiate to the back
- Weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests will be done to check for a tumor or blockage in the bile duct. These may include:
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal ultrasound
- CTscan-directed biopsy
- Cytology
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA)
Blood tests that may be done include:
- Liver function tests (especially alkaline phosphatase or bilirubin levels)
The goal is to treat the cancer and the blockage it causes. When possible, surgery to remove the tumor is the treatment of choice and may result in a cure. If the tumor is large, the entire liver may need to be removed and a liver transplant will be needed. However, often the cancer has already spread by the time it is diagnosed.
Chemotherapy or radiation may be given after surgery to decrease the risk of the cancer returning. However, the benefit of this treatment is not certain.
Endoscopictherapy with stent placement can temporarily relieve blockages in the biliary ducts and relieve jaundice in patients when the tumor cannot be removed. Laser therapy combined with light-activated chemotherapy medications is another treatment option for those with blockages of the bile duct.
Support GroupsYou can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group with members who share common experiences and problems (see cancer - support group).
Hospice is often a good resource for patients with cholangiocarcinoma that cannot be cured.
Expectations (prognosis)Completely removing the tumor allows 30 - 40% of patients to survive for at least 5 years, with the possibility of a complete cure.
If the tumor cannot be completely removed, a cure is generally not possible. With treatment, about half of these patients live a year, and about half live longer.
Complications- Infection
- Liver failure
- Spread (metastasis) of tumor to other organs
Call your health care provider if you have jaundice or other symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma.
ReferencesLewis RL. Liver and biliary tract tumors. In Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 206.
What else can I help you with?
What is the ICD-9 code for cholangiocarcinoma?
155.1
What is Cholangiocarcinoma?
Cholangiocarcinoma is cancer of a bile duct. The cancerous tumor is slow-growing and causes a blockage in the bile duct. Some symptoms of this condition can be jaundice and weight loss.
When did Harue Tone die?
Harue Tone died on April 27, 2005, in Japan of cholangiocarcinoma.
What is the medical term meaning tumor in the bile vessel or duct?
It essentially is a duct that has been dilated by iodine.
What are some symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma?
Cholangiocarcinoma is Bile Duct Cancer. Several symptoms are Jaundice, Abdominal Pain, Fever, Weight Loss, Weakness and Itching. There are several ways to test for Bile Duct Cancer that starts in and near the liver. Your doctor can do Blood Work, Endoscopy, MRI, CT Scan, Percutaneous(through the skin) Transhepatic (through the liver), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
What color cancer ribbon is Cholangiocarcinoma?
Is there a particular color ribbon that is used for Gallbladder Cancer?
What is hepatic hilum?
The central part of the liver, where common hepatic duct, hepatic artery and portal vein enter into the liver is called Hepatic hilum or porta hepatis. It is also the most common site of cholangiocarcinoma or Klatskin Tumour of bile duct.
What does elevated CA19.9 indicate?
Elevated CA19-9 levels can indicate the presence of certain types of cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer, but they can also be associated with other conditions such as cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, and liver disease. However, CA19-9 is not exclusively a cancer marker; elevated levels can occur in non-cancerous conditions like pancreatitis or liver cirrhosis. Therefore, while high CA19-9 levels may raise suspicion for malignancy, they should be interpreted alongside other diagnostic evaluations and clinical findings.
What damage can long term jaundice cause My Dad has had it for about8 weeks finally get a stent in to a blocked bile duct on 4th Nov but still very jaundiced. he is 92 has colangiocarcinoma no spread?
Long-term jaundice can lead to several complications, including liver damage, malnutrition due to poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and an increased risk of infections. In patients with cholangiocarcinoma, prolonged jaundice can exacerbate liver dysfunction and impact overall health. It's crucial for your father to receive appropriate management for the underlying cause of the jaundice and to monitor for any signs of complications. Consider discussing his condition and treatment options thoroughly with his healthcare team.
What kind of disease is liver cancer?
Liver cancer, also known as hepatic cancer, is a type of malignant tumor that originates in the liver. It is a form of primary cancer, meaning it starts in the liver cells rather than spreading to the liver from other parts of the body. The most common type of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which develops in the hepatocytes, the main type of liver cell. Liver cancer can also be classified as: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common type and typically occurs in individuals with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: This cancer begins in the bile ducts within the liver. Hepatoblastoma: This rare type of liver cancer primarily affects children. The risk factors for liver cancer include chronic infections with hepatitis B or C viruses, cirrhosis (often due to alcohol abuse or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), exposure to aflatoxins (toxins produced by certain molds), and some genetic conditions.
Sclerosing cholangitis?
DefinitionSclerosing cholangitis refers to swelling (inflammation), scarring, and destruction of the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver.Alternative NamesPrimary sclerosing cholangitis; PSCCauses, incidence, and risk factorsIn this condition, the bile ducts inside and outside the liver become narrowed and scarred.The cause is often unknown.The disease is often seen in patients who have:Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)SarcoidosisChronic pancreatitisMany autoimmune disordersGenetic factors may also be responsible. Sclerosing cholangitis occurs more often in men than women. This disorder is rare in children.Sclerosing cholangitis may also be caused by:CholedocholithiasisToxicity from chemicals, copper, bile acidsInfections in the liver, gallbladder, and bile ductsSymptomsThe first symptoms are usually fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and itching. However, some people may have no symptoms.Other symptoms may include:Loss of appetite and weight lossEnlarged liverEnlarged spleenRepeat episodes of cholangitisSigns and testsSome people do not have symptoms, but blood work reveals they have abnormal liver function. The doctor will rule out diseases that cause similar problems. For example, you will be checked for stones in the gallbladder or biliary tract.Tests that show cholangitis include:Abdominal CT scanAbdominal ultrasoundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)Liver biopsyMagnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC)Blood tests include:Elevated liver enzymes (liver function tests)TreatmentMedications that may be used include:CholestyramineUrsodeoxycholic acid (ursodiol)Fat-soluble vitamins (D, E, A, K)Antibiotics for infections in the bile ductsMedications that quiet the immune system (prednisone, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate)Surgical procedures:Inserting a long, thin tube with a balloon at the end to open up narrowing (endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures)Placement of a drain or tube for major narrowing (strictures) of biliary ductsProctocolectomy(for those who have both ulcerative colitis and sclerosing cholangitis)Liver transplantExpectations (prognosis)How well patients do varies. The disease tends to get worse over time and most patients develop:Biliary cirrhosisLiver failurePersistent jaundiceSome patients develop infections of the bile ducts that keep returning. Patients may have chronic liver disease that gets worse, with ascites and varices.People with this condition have an increased risk of developing cancer of the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma). They should be checked on a regular basis (usually each year) with liver scans and blood tests.ComplicationsBleeding esophageal varicesCancer in the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma)Cirrhosis and liver failureInfection of the biliary system (cholangitis)Narrowing of the bile ducts (strictures)Vitamin deficienciesReferencesGordon FD. Primary sclerosing cholangitis. Surg Clin North Am. 2008;88:1385-1407.Tung BY, Kowdley KV. Sclerosing cholangitis and recurrent pyogenic cholangitis. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2006:chap 65.
How does alcohol cause liver disease?
Drinking alcohol abusively over a period of decades has been implicated statistically with the development of liver cancer. Interestingly, cancer is much more likely to develop after an alcohol abuser stops drinking. That's because it is during the period that the liver is rapidly regenerating that abnormal cells are more likely to develop.
