Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma Service

Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancerous (malignant) growth in one of the ducts that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.

Causes

• Bile duct cysts
• Chronic biliary irritation
• History of infection with the parasitic worm, liver flukes
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis

• Chills
• Clay-colored stools
• Fever
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper right abdomen that may radiate to the back
• Weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)

• Tests that show a tumor or blockage in the bile duct:
  • Abdominal CT scan
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • CT scan-directed biopsy
  • Cytology
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA)
• Blood tests that show abnormal function:
  • Liver function tests (especially bilirubin)

1. The goal is to treat the cancer and the blockage it causes. When possible, surgery to remove the tumor is the treatment of choice and may result in a cure.
2. Chemotherapy or radiation may be given after surgery to decrease the risk of the cancer returning.
3. Endoscopic therapy or surgery can clear blockages in the biliary ducts and relieve jaundice in patients when the tumor cannot be removed.
4. For patients with cancer that cannot be removed, radiation therapy may be beneficial. Chemotherapy may be added to radiation therapy or used when the tumor has spread.

• If you have jaundice or other symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma.