Details of Cholangiocarcinoma

It is a type of cancer which forms in the bile ducts. Bile ducts are tubes which carry digestive juices called bile from the liver to the bladder and from bladder to the gut where it helps to break down fats in the foods. Normally, it arises in the parts outside the liver and rarely in parts within liver as well. It is also called Bile duct cancer.

Some types of this cancer:

Adenocarcinomas: These originate in the glandular tissue.

Quamous cell carcinomas: These originate squamous cell carcinomas in the digestive tract.

May include:

• Jaundice
• Dark urine 
• Itching
• Fever 
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss

May include:

Chronic inflammation of the bile ducts

Chronic parasitic infections

These tests may be recommended:

• Liver function tests
• Tumor marker tests
• Imaging tests like CT, MRI and X-rays
• Test of bile duct
• Tests of tissues

Treatment options:

Surgery: The doctor may perform a surgery to remove the cancer as much as the doctor can. Where he may cut a part of the bile duct and then may join the both ends.

Liver transplant: During this surgery the doctor performs liver transplant for the people with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Chemotherapy: It uses high doses' drugs to kill the cancer cells. It may be used before the lover transplant. This is very feasible for the people with advanced cholangiocarcinoma.

Radiation therapy: It uses high-energy radiation beams such as photons and protons to kill the cancer cell.

Photodynamic therapy: Where a light-sensitive chemical is injected into a vein which accumulates in the fast-growing cancer cells.

Biliary drainage: It is a procedure to restore the the flow of bile.

Which may increase the risks:

• Chronic liver disease.
• Liver parasite. 
• Older age.
• Smoking.