Bile duct cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the bile ducts. The bile ducts are small tubes that carry bile from the liver to the intestines.
The symptoms of bile duct cancer can vary depending on the stage of the cancer. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment is important for improving your chances of survival.
Bile Duct Cancer, also known as Cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare disease that refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the bile duct. It is an aggressive type of cancer and requires appropriate medical care and treatment.
The bile duct is the connection between the liver and the small intestine. It is in the form of a thin tube, and its main job is to transfer the bile juices (required for digesting fats) from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Blockage in this duct could initiate a series of problems in the body which becomes apparent in the form of some indications or symptoms.
In this blog, you will find everything you need to know about the symptoms of bile duct cancer end-stage as well as the initial stage.
Just like any other cancer, bile duct cancer also begins with the mutation or structural change in the DNA segment of the cells. This genetic alteration leads to the uncontrolled growth and division of cells. Later, these altered cells contribute to tumour formation.
The precise cause or the set of causes responsible for initiating bile duct cancer are unknown, however, there are existing factors that increase the risk. Keep reading to know them.Book Consultation
Cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct cancer leads to the destruction of healthy cells along with increase in the number of abnormal cancerous cells. Here are some of the risk factors that increase one's chances of having this cancer:
In bile duct cancer, the bile flow from the liver is restricted, resulting in unfavourable body changes. Each person's body reacts differently; hence, the symptoms are primarily unclear at the initial stage. Given below are some of the bile duct cancer symptoms of starting and last stages:
High temperature, signs of inflammation, and unexplained weight loss should not be ignored as these less significant symptoms could be the onset of an unimaginable big crisis. One must not wait for bile duct cancer's last stage symptoms but attempt to seek treatment on time. If one gets diagnosed at the right time, the chances of survival increase with a few proven beneficial therapies. Have a look at them:
Bile duct cancer is one of the rare forms of cancer, and in most cases, the condition is found to be malignant. The prognosis depends on the stage at which the cancer is being diagnosed. The survival rate for undiagnosed or late-diagnosed patients with bile duct cancer symptoms is considerably low.
However, there have also been incidences with positive outcomes when the sufferer availed adequate diagnosis and treatment from the medical specialist. If an individual notices unusual clues, it's vital to consult a knowledgeable and experienced medical practitioner. HexaHealth is a trustworthy source to rely on when one notices odd changes in the body. The qualified team of health wizards is skilled enough to offer the best medical advice and therapy to the patients. Also, they offer no-cost EMI treatment services.
The most common bile duct cancer symptoms are jaundice, abnormal urine and stool, abdominal pain, itching, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, chills, nausea, and weakness.
Bile duct cancer starts with abnormal cells accumulating in the inner lining of the perihilar bile duct.
In the initial stages, bile duct cancer does not exhibit any pain; however, when it starts to progress, the pain is felt at the right side of the abdomen.
Stage 4 bile duct cancer symptoms typically consist of white or pale stools, dark-coloured urine, jaundice, and abdominal pain.
Bile duct cancer is one of the rare forms of cancer whose aggressiveness is as severe as making the sufferer survive for up to 2 years at its end stage.
It depends on the stage of cancer at which it's been diagnosed. Also, it depends on the area comprising cancer cells. In the case of intrahepatic bile duct cancer, the cancerous part of the liver is required to be removed, referred to as partial hepatectomy.
The likelihood of a cure at the 4th stage is low; however, it again depends on the person's will and treatment-responding ability to combat cancer.
One demonstrating stage 4 bile duct cancer symptoms have a chance to survive up to almost five years.
Last Updated on: 17 July 2023
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
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Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
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