Bile Duct Cancer Treatment in Indore

Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma) Detailed description.

Cholangiocarcinoma, otherwise referred to as bile duct cancer, is a rare yet severe form of cancer that occurs in the bile ducts, which are the tubes through which the bile is transported to the small intestine by the liver. The bile also plays a significant role in the digestion of fats and the removal of waste in the liver. Cholangiocarcinoma may develop at any point on the biliary tracts:

Intrahepatic- within the liver.

Perihilar (Klatskin tumour) -at the cross-over point between the left and the right ducts of the liver.

Distal (extrahepatic) -around the small intestine.

Causes & Risk Factors

The precise cause is usually unidentified; however, there are risk factors such as:

Inflammation of the biliary tract (primary sclerosing cholangitis) is chronic.

Hepatitis B / C or cirrhosis liver diseases.

Stones of the bile duct or malformation of the bile ducts.

Having a history of exposure to some chemicals (such as Thorotrast).

The age of the patient (most often in individuals over 50) is old age.

Symptoms

Symptoms may not be exhibited at early stages. Later in the development of the cancer, the affected patients might develop:

Jaundice- skin and eyes turn yellow because of the build-up of bile.

Dark urine and pale stools

Itching (pruritus)

In the abdomen, pain with localisation in the upper right quadrant.

Unexplained weight loss

Night sweats (in certain instances) or fever.

Fatigue and loss of appetite

Diagnosis

The diagnosis includes an imaging test, blood tests and tissue biopsy:

Blood tests -liver function tests, tumour markers (CA 19-9, CEA)

Imaging- ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or MRCP (Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography)

Endoscopic methodology - ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) to view and to take a biopsy.

Percutaneous biopsy - to ascertain malignancy.

Treatment Overview

The treatment is limited to the location, stage of the disease and general health of the patient. Options include:

1. Surgery

Early detection may only be cured by mucous membrane treatment.

Types of surgery:

Resection of the bile duct

Partial hepatic excision (with intrahepatic tumours)

Whipple surgery (in the case of endometrial tumours of the distal bile ducts)

Lymph nodes are also possible to take away.

2. Liver Transplantation

Discussed in the case of a limited number of patients with unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Does not have lax entry criteria and pre-transplant therapy.

3. Chemotherapy

Applied in case cancer is metastatic or unresectable.

General medications: gemcitabine, cisplatin, capecitabine.

It may either be preoperative (neoadjuvant) or postoperative (adjuvant).

4. Radiation Therapy

External radiation or internal radiation can help reduce tumours or alleviate symptoms.

It is used in conjunction with chemotherapy.

5. Therapy of Precision/Immunotherapy.

In patients with a genetic mutation/biomarker.

Examples: FGFR2 inhibitors, IDH1 inhibitors or even immunotherapy drugs in clinical trials.

6. Palliative Care

Daimler is oriented towards symptom relief and quality of life.

This is used in the biliary stenting to alleviate jaundice, pain relief, and nutrition.

Prognosis

Stage, tumour location and resectability depend on prognosis.

Surgery and early diagnosis are the most favourable.

A higher bile duct cancer is less likely to be treated successfully, but contemporary treatment methods can help increase lifespan and quality of life.

Follow-Up & Monitoring

Frequent follow-up treatment with imaging and blood tests.

Recurrence or metastasis monitoring.

Liver functioning and long-term care support.