What Is Bile Duct Cancer?
Bile Duct Cancer, or in medical terms cholangiocarcinoma, is a form of cancer that originates from mutated epithelial cells (tissue lining cavities and body surfaces) in the bile ducts, which drain bile from the liver to the small intestine.
Bile duct cancer is relatively rare with about 1,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK every year. The incidence of the disease between men and women is practically equal.
The causes of bile duct cancer remain largely unknown however there are certain contributory factors that can increase the risk of the disease. These include: ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammatory bowel condition), abnormal bile ducts, parasitic infection and increasing age. More than two thirds of bile duct cancer incidence occurs in people over 65.
There are some signs of bile duct cancer that can be spotted. The most common symptoms are: jaundice, rapid weight loss, abdominal pain, abnormal liver function test results, fever, and a change in bowel movements.
At the LOC, we have the most advanced private treatments for bile duct cancer available. These procedures are performed by highly trained expert consultants who can help decide on the best course of treatment.