Bile duct cancer is rare and results from the growth of a tumor in the channels that lead to bile produced in the liver to the gallbladder. Bile is an important liquid in digestion, as it helps to dissolve the fats ingested in meals.
The causes of bile duct cancer can be gallbladder stone, tobacco, inflammation of the bile ducts, obesity, exposure to toxic substances and infection by parasites.
Bile duct cancer is most common between the ages of 60 and 70 and can be located inside or outside the liver, gallbladder or Vater's ampoule, a structure that results from the union of the pancreatic duct with the bile duct.
Bile duct cancer is curable if diagnosed in the early stages of development, as this type of cancer evolves rapidly and can lead to death in a short time.
Symptoms of bile duct cancer
Symptoms of bile duct cancer can be:
- Belly pain; Jaundice; Weight loss; Loss of appetite; Generalized itching; Belly swelling; Fever; Nausea and vomiting.
The symptoms of cancer are not very specific, making diagnosis of this disease difficult. The diagnosis of cancer of the biliary tract can be made by ultrasound, computed tomography or direct cholangiography, an exam that allows to evaluate the structure of the bile ducts and biopsy the tumor.
Treatment of bile duct cancer
The most effective treatment of bile duct cancer is surgery to remove the tumor and lymph nodes from the cancer region, preventing it from spreading to other organs. When the cancer is located in the bile ducts within the liver, it may be necessary to remove part of the liver. Sometimes it is necessary to remove blood vessels near the affected bile duct.
Radiotherapy or chemotherapy have no effect on curing bile duct cancer and are used only to relieve symptoms of the disease in the later stages.
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