Bile Duct Cancer Treatment in Kolkata
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Overview
Cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the tubes carrying bile from your liver to your small intestine. Get the condition detected early to improve treatment outcomes from Dr. Debjoy Sau, a leading bile duct cancer doctor in kolkata.
Types of Bile Duct Cancer
There are four primary types of autoimmune pancreatitis:
Intrahepatic
This type of cancer develops in the small bile ducts inside the liver.
Extrahepatic
This type of cancer starts in the bile ducts outside the liver.
Perihilar
Develops where ducts leave the liver.
Distal
Affects ducts near the small intestine.
Cholangiocarcinoma Symptoms
Early stages often show no signs. As the disease progresses, cholangiocarcinoma symptoms may include:
Jaundice: Yellowing of skin and eyes
Abdominal pain
Dark urine and pale/clay-colored stools
Unexplained weight loss
Itchy skin and fever
Nausea and vomiting
Itchy skin and fever
Nausea and vomiting
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of cholangiocarcinoma is unclear, but factors increasing the risk include:
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
Ulcerative colitis
Choledochal cyst
Certain liver flukes (which are parasitic worms)
Being overweight or obese and diabetes
Clonorchis sinensis and hepaticolithiasis
Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
Hepatitis B or C infection
Bile duct infections or inflammation
Congenital bile duct abnormalities or stones
Evaluation
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis. Early and accurate cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis involves:
Blood tests
Ultrasound
Imaging Tests, such as CT scans, MRI/MRCP, and specialized cholangiocarcinoma radiology scans
EUS/Endoscopic procedures
Fine-needle aspiration
ERCP-brushings and spyglass with biopsy when needed
Management
The treatment for cholangiocarcinoma depends on the location and stage of the cancer, which may include:
Surgery
Chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma stage 4 treatment
Radiation therapy
Liver transplant with chemo-radiation for unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma
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FAQs
Know Your Answers
Is cholangiocarcinoma treatable?
Cholangiocarcinoma is treatable, especially if detected early. For advanced cases, treatment often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Is genetics responsible for cholangiocarcinoma?
Certain genes play a role in cell growth and repair. In cholangiocarcinoma, mutations in genes like TP53, KRAS, and IDH1 can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, forming a tumor.
What is the survival rate for stage 3 bile duct cancer?
Cholangiocarcinoma stage 3 survival rate varies widely, depending on factors like the extent of the cancer and individual health and timely cholangiocarcinoma radiology treatment in kolkata.
How do we determine if surgery is possible for cholangiocarcinoma?
Evaluation includes liver function tests, tumor location/size imaging, vascular involvement assessment, and overall health status. Multiple cholangiocarcinoma specialists review each case collectively.
How often should follow-up visits occur?
Regular monitoring is expected every 3-6 months, with frequency adjusted based on individual cases.