If you suspect that you may be suffering from bile duct cancer, your doctor will likely recommend an initial evaluation. You may notice abdominal pain or tenderness in the right upper quadrant of your abdomen under your ribs. You may also notice an enlarged liver on a general examination. Bilirubin levels may be elevated, which are visible on the white part of your tongue or on the inside of your eyes. Diagnostic tests may include an abdominal ultrasound (US) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), which use an MRI machine to create detailed pictures of the organs in your abdomen and biliary system.
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There are many symptoms associated with bile duct cancer. Your doctor will ask about your health history and ask about any symptoms you may have had. Depending on the stage of your cancer, your doctor may prescribe treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. These treatments may be called supportive or palliative care and will continue throughout the duration of the cancer treatment. The following list of bile duct cancer symptoms may help you determine if your symptoms are related to bile duct cancer.
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After your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend radiation or chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. Radiation treatments can also be used to treat the area where the tumor was once located. While these treatments may be painful and unpleasant, they can also decrease your risk of recurrence. Your doctor will work closely with your primary care provider to ensure that you receive the best care. There are several minimally invasive procedures available to help relieve the symptoms of bile duct cancer.
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Other symptoms of bile duct cancer include jaundice and excessive itching. However, jaundice is more common in patients with hepatitis and gallstones that travel to the bile duct. Itching can also be a sign of excess bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin contributes to the color of the bowel movements, although some patients may only notice it after cancer treatment.
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Metastatic bile duct cancer is the same as a primary tumor but has spread to other organs. When it spreads to distant organs and tissues, the cancer can become a serious concern. It is usually diagnosed in older people, around age 70. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you have been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, your doctor will advise you on the treatment that best suits your needs.
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Early detection of bile duct cancer is critical. Although bile duct cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms in the early stages, early detection is the best way to ensure a successful treatment. In addition to the physical examination, you should report any unusual pain or discomfort in your abdomen, as these symptoms could be signs of cholangiocarcinoma. You may also notice yellowing of your skin, mucus membranes, or even your bowels.
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Although there are other possible conditions that may cause these symptoms, the first sign of bile duct cancer is jaundice. Yellowing of your skin and eyes, dark urine, and lighter bowel movements are common symptoms of this condition. Jaundice can be accompanied by itchy skin, as well. The doctor may also prescribe a vitamin B complex for you. Your GP may also prescribe antibiotics.
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Another symptom of bile duct cancer is chronic inflammation of the bile ducts. People who are exposed to chemicals in the auto industry or in wood-finishing may be at risk for the disease. Some congenital disorders or genetic conditions can increase your risk of bile duct cancer, such as Lynch syndrome. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs, controlling your blood glucose levels, and monitoring your weight and diabetes may also prevent bile duct cancer.
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A PET scan is a nuclear medicine imaging procedure that uses a low-dose of radioactive sugar to look at the bile duct and the organs within it. A CT scan is another useful diagnostic tool to detect bile duct cancer. The endoscope is a thin flexible lighted tube that is used to view the upper digestive tract. A specialized endoscope, called an enteroscope, can be used to view the bile ducts.
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Surgery for bile duct cancer may include liver resection or removal of the lymph nodes. In some cases, the cancer may have spread too far to be removed with surgery. Additionally, the patient may not be in good health to undergo surgery. In other cases, a liver transplant may cure bile duct cancer. If your symptoms are severe, it may be best to seek medical treatment. The Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers offers cutting-edge care to people who have been diagnosed with bile duct cancer.
