Cholangiocarcinoma Meaning
Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer of the duct that carries the digestive fluid bile. This duct connects the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
Cholangiocarcinoma or what can also be called bile duct cancer, generally occurs in someone over the age of 50. There are several types, namely:
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. This cancer occurs in the bile ducts within the liver and is sometimes classified as a type of liver cancer.
- Hilar cholangiocarcinoma. This cancer occurs in the bile ducts outside the liver. This type can also be called perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.
- Distal cholangiocarcinoma . This cancer occurs in the part of the bile duct closest to the small intestine. This type can also be called extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
Symptoms of Cholangiocarcinoma
The symptoms experienced by sufferers are:
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
- Itchy skin.
- Pale colored stools.
- Excessive tiredness.
- Abdominal pain on the right side, just below the ribs.
- Significant weight loss.
- High fever.
- Sweat that appears at night.
- Urine changes color to become darker.
Causes of Cholangiocarcinoma
This cancer occurs when cells in the bile ducts experience changes in DNA structure. These changes occur by forming a mass of cells (tumor) that can attack and destroy healthy body tissue.
Cholangiocarcinoma Risk Factors
The risk factors are:
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis. This disease causes hardening and scarring of the bile ducts.
- Chronic liver disease. Scarring of the liver caused by a history of chronic liver disease increases the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Congenital bile duct problems. People who are born with choledochal cysts cause a widening of the shape of the bile duct. This increases the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Parasites in the liver. Liver fluke infection from eating raw or undercooked food increases the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Smoking. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes have a high risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma.
- Certain inherited conditions. For example, cystic fibrosis (a thickening of mucus in the body) and Lynch syndrome.
Diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma
The examinations to confirm the disease are:
- Liver function test. This is done by blood test to measure liver function. This test can determine the cause of symptoms.
- Tumor marker test. This is done by checking the level of carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 in the blood. CA 19-9 is a protein that is overproduced by cancer cells in the bile duct.
- Endoscopy. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera from the throat down the digestive tract to the small intestine.
- Imaging tests . This is done by performing an ultrasound (USG), computerized tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).
- Biopsy. This is done by taking a tissue sample from the bile duct and examining it under a microscope.
Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment
The treatment steps that will be taken are:
- Surgery. This is done by removing the part of the bile duct affected by cancer and joining it with the other end.
- Liver transplant. This is done by taking the liver from the sufferer and replacing it with a liver from a donor.
- Chemotherapy. This involves injecting drugs into the blood vessels in the body to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy. This method uses high-energy beams of X-rays and protons to kill cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy . This is done by using drug therapy to boost the immune system so that it can kill cancer cells on its own.
- Heating of cancer cells. This method uses electric current to heat and destroy cancer cells.
- Photodynamic therapy . This involves injecting chemicals into a vein and shooting them with a laser. This light causes a chemical reaction in the cancer cells and kills their growth.
- Biliary drainage. This involves placing a thin tube into the bile duct to drain bile.
Complications of Cholangiocarcinoma
Complications arise as a result of the bile duct being blocked by cancerous tissue. Among them:
- Biliary tract infection.
- Cirrhosis or inflammation of the liver.
Prevention of Cholangiocarcinoma
There are several ways to prevent cholangiocarcinoma, including:
- Quit smoking.
- Limit or stop drinking alcohol.
- Exercise regularly.
- Be careful when taking medication.
- Eat healthy foods, such as vegetables and fruits.