What are the Symptoms of bile duct cancers?

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1. Symptoms of Bile Duct Cancer
2. Types of bile Duct Cancer
3. Treatments for Bile Duct Cancer

Malignant (cancer) cells develop in the bile ducts in the rare condition known as bile duct cancer. Cholangiocarcinoma is another name for bile duct cancer.

The gallbladder, liver, and small intestine are linked by a system of tubes known as ducts. This network starts in the liver, where a large number of tiny ducts gather the bile that the liver produces to aid in the breakdown of fats during digestion. 

The left and right hepatic ducts, that exit the liver, are formed when the tiny ducts join together. The typical hepatic duct is formed when the two channels unite outside the liver.

The hepatic duct and gallbladder are joined by the cystic duct. The common hepatic duct, cystic duct, and hepatic ducts all carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder, where it is stored.

Bile in the gallbladder travels via the cystic duct, the common bile duct, and reaches the duodenum to aid digestion.

As bile duct tumours can obstruct the passage of bile out from the liver or gallbladder, irregular liver functions are one of the early and most prevalent signs of bile duct cancer. Some of the important symptoms are, 

• Jaundice:
  Bilirubin, a molecule that gives bile its greenish-yellow colour, causes jaundice. When the liver is unable to effectively clear bile, it ends up in your bloodstream and causes jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowish complexion and whites in the eyes.
  
  Even though jaundice represents the most prevalent sign of bile duct cancer, it is not always a sign of the disease. Hepatitis, gallstones, or a somewhat less serious illness could possibly be to blame. For advice on what to do, consult the doctor.
• Stool colour changes:
  Bilirubin also contributes to the browning of your stools. Your stool may appear lighter than usual when cancer prevents the flow of bile into the intestines.
  
  The undigested fat ( due to lack of bile ) can also make stools look lighter or whiter than usual. Cancer may also make it challenging for the body to absorb fatty foods
• Changes in urine colour:
  If bilirubin levels in the blood increase, urine may turn a deeper shade of yellow.
  
• Itching:
  When too much bilirubin from the blood enters the skin, itching may result.
• Bloated sensation or expanded abdominal mass:
  This occurs as a result of the tumor’s pressure on the adjacent organs.
• Abdominal pain:
  This bile duct cancer symptom typically emerges in later stages of the illness.
• Nausea and fever:
  An infection (cholangitis) brought on by a blocked bile duct may also include the side effects of altered liver function or bilirubin accumulation, nausea, or fever.
• Weight loss or a decreased appetite:
  Bile duct cancer can influence the appetite and result in unexpected weight loss.

Also Read : Use of CT & PET Scan in Stomach Cancer

Types of bile duct cancer

Bile duct carcinoma can be of two different types,

• Intrahepatic bile duct cancer: 
  This cancer develops in the bile ducts present inside the liver. Intrahepatic bile duct tumours are quite uncommon. The term intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas are the alternative name for bile duct cancers within the liver.
• Extrahepatic bile duct cancer:
  Outside of the liver, this kind of cancer develops in the bile ducts that are outside the liver (i.e. right/ left hepatic ducts, cystic duct, common hepatic duct and common bile duct). Perihilar bile duct cancer and distal bile duct cancer are the two kinds of extrahepatic bile duct cancer.

1. Perihilar bile duct cancer :
   These cancers develop around the junction of the right and left hepatic ducts. A Klatskin tumour or perihilar cholangiocarcinoma are other names for perihilar bile duct malignancy. According to the position of the tumour. they are classified into different types.
    
2. Distal bile duct cancer :  
   This cancer type develops in the terminal part of the common bile duct that travels through the pancreas and opens into the duodenum.

Also know more about Why is Liver Cancer so deadly?

Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) treatments could involve:

• Surgery :
  Surgery offers the best chance of cure for this disease. Depending on the position of the tumour, the surgery entails the removal of the bile duct or the removal of a portion of the liver along with the bile duct. In some cases, removal of blood vessels may be needed
  
• Chemotherapy:
  Chemotherapy is also an important part of treatment to prevent recurrence and improve survival in operable cancers.
  
  Inoperable and advanced cancers are managed by chemotherapy alone or with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation
  
• Radiation therapy:
  To kill cancer cells, radiation therapy uses extremely powerful high-energy rays from sources like X-rays and protons.
  
  When surgery is not feasible radiation works as an alternative to treat localized cancers.  Radiation is also used as an adjuvant after surgery when margins are positive or nodes also show cancer deposits.
• Biliary drainage:  
  A procedure to remove or bypass the blockade of the flow of bile is called biliary drainage. This can be done by putting a tube across the blockade or by putting a tube in the bile duct above the blockade, draining the bile outside the body.
  
  These tubes are called stents. Cholangiocarcinoma symptoms and indications are lessened by biliary drainage. Sometimes biliary drainage is achieved by a surgical procedure in case of inoperable tumours.