Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a type of cancer that affects the bile ducts, which are tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps to digest fat and absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
There are two main types of bile duct cancer: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which starts in the bile ducts within the liver, and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which starts in the bile ducts outside the liver. Bile duct cancer is relatively rare, with an incidence of about 2 cases per 100,000 people per year. It is more common in people over the age of 60 and is more common in men than in women. Risk factors for bile duct cancer include a history of chronic inflammatory conditions of the bile ducts, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and chronic liver infections caused by liver flukes. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, and a family history of bile duct cancer. Symptoms of bile duct cancer may include jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, and itching. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
What Causes of Bile Duct Cancer
Signs and Symptoms of Bile Duct Cancer
How is Bile duct Cancer in the Final Stage