Bile Duct Cancer Treatment: Everything You Need To Know

 Did you know that the gallbladder releases bile for helping in the digestion and absorption of fat? Well, bile also helps clear the liver of waste products. But, if the blockage remains untreated, it can lead to life-threatening diseases.  Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for bile duct cancer to be treated with positive clinical outcomes. Opting for the best bile duct cancer treatment is a new ray of hope for patients as it offers a long-term chance of survival.

Here’s a detailed insight into diagnosing and treating bile duct stones and cancers.

What Are Bile Ducts?

The bile duct is a network of long thin tubes that connect the liver to the small intestine and gallbladder. Bile ducts carry a yellow-greenish secretion produced by the liver. Bile contains cholesterol and salt that help in the digestion of food. Also, it contains a waste product that’s known as bilirubin. When the abnormal cells in the bile duct grow out of control, it causes bile duct cancer.

Bile Duct Cancer: Signs And Symptoms

·         Fever

·         Lethargy

·         Weight loss

·         Loss of appetite

·         Dark-coloured urine

·         Light-coloured stools

·         Jaundice

·         Itching sensation

·         Weakness

·         Vomiting and nausea

·         Stomach pain and upset stomach

Causes For The Formation Of Bile Duct Stones

When the gallstones formed in the gall bladder move out, enter the bile duct and get wedged in the duct owing to their position or size, they are called bile duct stones. Research and studies conducted by medical science show that gallstones can develop owing to the weight of the body and its inherent chemistry. Also, they can be caused by the movement of the gall bladder as well as the particular lifestyle and diet that a person follows. 

Risk Factors For Bile Duct Cancer

Bile duct cancer is a rare disease in which malignant cells form in the bile ducts. But, certain factors can increase one’s risk of developing bile duct cancer.

Some of the most common risk factors for bile duct cancer are:

·         Old age

·         Chronic bile duct stones

·         Cirrhosis

·         Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

·         Obesity

·         Primary sclerosing cholangitis

·         Choledochal cysts

·         Infection with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C

·         Liver fluke infection

·         Exposure to chemicals

Diagnosis & Treatment Of Bile Duct Stones And Cancer

a)      Blood Test

Cancer cells release certain chemical components which can be detected through blood tests. So, doctors recommend blood tests if they suspect bile duct cancer.

However, it should be noted that such markers are released even in other conditions. This means that the presence of such markers in reports doesn’t necessarily mean it is bile duct cancer.  

b)     Imaging Test or Scan

Scans like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and computerised tomography (CT) are conducted for determining the exact, size, shape, and location of the tumour. An ultrasound is the most commonly conducted diagnostic examination for bile duct stones. The results from these scans play a vital role in disease staging too.

c)      ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or ERCP is an effective bile duct stone treatment. It is a unique imaging procedure that combines X-ray and upper endoscopy. A special liquid is injected during the procedure for seeing the bile duct region clearly throughout the X-ray scan. The X-ray scanner guides the endoscopy which helps to detect blockages and the presence of tumours or other abnormalities.

d)     Biopsy

Biopsies are performed for confirming the diagnosis of bile duct cancer. During this procedure, a small sample of the bile duct tissue is removed and examined under the microscope for the presence of cancer cells. In certain cases, samples of the surrounding lymph nodes might also be taken to check if cancer has metastasized to your lymphatic system.

e)      Spyglass

Being the advanced form of ERCP test, Spyglass lets the specialist pass a specialized endoscope into the bile duct for checking if there are abnormalities. Also, the spyglass enables the technician to collect samples precisely for biopsy.

Final Words:

The standard treatments for bile duct cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Your treatment options depend on the stage of your cancer, your preferences, and your overall health. So, what are you still waiting for? Visit the best gastro & Liver cancer treatment hospital to receive a cure that’s individualized for you.