Bile duct cancer is a serious disease that can be difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have it until it is too late. In this article, we will discuss the 10 most common symptoms of bile duct cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, please see your doctor as soon as possible!
What Is Bile Duct Cancer?
Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a type of cancer that forms in the bile duct system. The tubes that transport bile from the liver to the small intestine are known as bile ducts. Bile is a yellowish-green substance that aids digestion. It is also known as liver cancer.
Bile Duct Cancer Symptoms
Cancers that begin in the bile ducts inside the liver (intrahepatic bile duct cancer) frequently do not present symptoms until they are advanced.
The majority of persons with bile duct carcinoma have no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. As the tumor grows larger, it can block the bile duct and cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Jaundice is often one of the first signs of bile duct cancer. Other common symptoms include:
- Itching
- Jaundice
- Stomach pains and swelling
- Changes in the appearance of human waste
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
- All chilled and shivering
- Feeling rundown and fatigued
Itching:
Feeling itchy is something people generally associate with an allergic reaction or dry skin. However, if the itchiness is accompanied by jaundice, it could be a sign of bile duct cancer.
Jaundice:
As mentioned before, jaundice is one of the most common symptoms of bile duct cancer. It occurs when the bile duct is blocked and bilirubin (a yellowish substance) builds up in the body. In addition to causing yellowing of the skin and eyes, jaundice can also cause dark urine and pale stools.
Stomach and Abdominal Pain And Swelling:
As the tumor grows, it may block the bile duct and cause pain and swelling in the stomach and abdomen.
Changes In The Appearance Of Human Waste:
Bile duct cancer can change the color of human waste, making it darker or lighter than normal.
Nausea:
Nausea is a common symptom of bile duct cancer, especially if the tumor is blocking the bile duct.
Loss Of Appetite:
Cancer can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms can make it hard to eat or get enough nutrients.
Weight Loss:
Cancer can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. These symptoms can make it hard to eat or get enough nutrients.
Fever:
Fever is a common symptom of bile duct cancer, especially if the tumor is blocking the bile duct.
All Chilled And Shivering:
Chills and fever may be caused by an infection related to bile duct cancer.
Feeling Rundown And Fatigued:
Cancer-related fatigue is different from regular tiredness. It doesn’t go away with rest and can worsen as the day goes on. Fatigue from bile duct cancer may be caused by cancer itself or by treatments such as chemotherapy.
Bile Duct Cancer Cause And Risk Factors
It is uncertain what causes bile duct carcinoma. There are, however, a number of risk factors that may raise your chances of having the condition. These include:
- Age: The majority of people diagnosed with bile duct cancer are over the age of 65.
- Gender: Bile duct cancer is more common in men than in women.
- Race: Bile duct cancer is more common in Asians and Native Americans than in other racial groups.
- Family history: Having a family member with bile duct cancer increases your risk of developing the disease.
- Chronic inflammation: Conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the biliary system, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis, can increase your risk of bile duct cancer.
- Cirrhosis: This condition, which is caused by liver damage, can increase your risk of bile duct cancer.
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC): This is a condition that causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. PSC increases your risk of developing bile duct cancer.
- Autoimmune hepatitis: This is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation and damage. Autoimmune hepatitis can increase your risk of bile duct cancer.
These are just a few of the risk factors for bile duct cancer. If you think you may be at risk, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
Bile Duct Cancer Diagnosis
If you have symptoms that may be related to bile duct cancer, your doctor will order tests to check for the disease. These tests may include:
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs, can help your doctor to see if there are any tumors in the bile ducts.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This is a procedure in which a long, flexible tube is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. The tube has a camera on the end, which allows your doctor to see the inside of the bile ducts. ERCP can also be used to take biopsies of suspicious areas.
- Biliary stent placement: This is a procedure in which a small tube is inserted into the bile duct to help keep it open. Biliary stent placement may be done before or after surgery to treat bile duct cancer.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed and analyzed for cancer cells. Biopsies can be done using ERCP, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), or laparoscopic surgery.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent bile duct cancer. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. These include:
- Avoiding chronic inflammation of the biliary system: This can be done by treating conditions that cause chronic inflammation, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis.
- Not smoking: Smoking tobacco products increases your risk of developing bile duct cancer. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to reduce your risk.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber may help to reduce your risk of bile duct cancer.
These are just a few of the ways you can reduce your risk of bile duct cancer. Talk to your doctor about ways you can reduce your risk.
Bile Duct Cancer Treatment
Among the treatment options available are:
- Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for bile duct cancer. The type of surgery will depend on the stage of the disease.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy beams are used in radiation treatment to eliminate cancer cells. It can be taken before or after surgery, or as a stand-alone therapy.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with radiation therapy.
Final Words
Bile duct cancer is a rare but serious disease. If you think you may be at risk, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. Early identification is critical for successful treatment, so schedule frequent check-ups and tests.
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