Bile Duct Cancer

Bile duct cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the slender tubes (bile ducts) that carry the digestive fluid bile. Bile ducts connect liver to gallbladder and to small intestine. Cholnagiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, occurs mostly in people older than age 50, though in can occur at any age. 

Intrahepatic bile duct cancer 

This type develops in the bile ducts inside the liver.

Extrahepatic bile duct cancer

  Perihilar bile duct cancer

• This cancer arises in the bile ducts just outside the liver, where the left and right hepatic ducts join.  It is the most common type of extrahepatic bile duct cancer

  Distal bile duct cancer

• This type occurs in the bile ducts closer to the small intestine, further down the bile duct.

• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice, dark urine, itchy skin
• Clay colored stool
• Weight loss
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. 

While the exact cause remains unknown in many cases, several risk factors have been identified, include liver fluke infections, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and certain chronic liver diseases.

Specific causes and risk factors

• Liver flukes 
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Chronic liver diseases
• Age
• Other risk factors: diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, smoking, chemical exposure, family history, Hepatitis B or C infection

There is no guaranteed way to prevent biliary track cancer. But several lifestyle modifications and preventative measures can significantly reduce disease risk.

• Avoid hepatitis B and C infection 
• Limit alcohol consumption 
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Do not smoke.