Cholangiocarcinoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Who is at risk for cholangiocarcinoma?== | ==Who is at risk for cholangiocarcinoma?== | ||
Clinical data has suggested that the development of cholangiocarcinoma is related to several factors. | |||
:*Chronic inflammation of the bile duct: Clinical data suggest patients who have chronic inflammation of the bile duct such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis, bile duct stones, choledochal cysts and cirrhosis have high risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma. | |||
:*Liver fluke infections: Liver fluke infection is a major cause of cholangiocarcinoma in some Asian countries. | |||
:*Exposure to Thorotrast: Thorotrast, widely used as a contrast agent for x-rays until 1950s, was found to lead to hepatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. | |||
:*Obesity: Epidemiological survey show being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing cancers of cholangiocarcinoma. | |||
:*Age: Clinical data show old people are more likely to developing cholangiocarcinoma. | |||
==How to know you have cholangiocarcinoma?== | ==How to know you have cholangiocarcinoma?== | ||
Revision as of 19:20, 21 August 2009
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What is cholangiocarcinoma?
The bile duct is a thin tube which reaches from the liver to the small intestine. Its function is to transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine to help digest the fats in foods. Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancerous growth in one of the ducts. Cholangiocarcinoma doesn't have any early symptoms. With the development of the cancer, frequent symptoms include jaundice, itching, abdominal pain and ther symptoms due to blockage of the bile duct. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of them.
How do I know if I have cholangiocarcinoma and what are the symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma?
Early cholangiocarcinoma does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Jaundice
- Itching
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite/weight loss
- Fever
- Light colored stools/dark urine
- Nausea/vomiting
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for cholangiocarcinoma?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of cholangiocarcinoma is related to several factors.
- Chronic inflammation of the bile duct: Clinical data suggest patients who have chronic inflammation of the bile duct such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis, bile duct stones, choledochal cysts and cirrhosis have high risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma.
- Liver fluke infections: Liver fluke infection is a major cause of cholangiocarcinoma in some Asian countries.
- Exposure to Thorotrast: Thorotrast, widely used as a contrast agent for x-rays until 1950s, was found to lead to hepatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma.
- Obesity: Epidemiological survey show being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing cancers of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Age: Clinical data show old people are more likely to developing cholangiocarcinoma.
How to know you have cholangiocarcinoma?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for cholangiocarcinoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating cholangiocarcinoma
Prevention of cholangiocarcinoma
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000291.htm