Symptoms Related to Bile Duct Cancer

Bile ducts, when functioning properly, drain bile into the small intestines during the digestion process. When there is an obstruction in this system of tubes, the bile will back up into the gallbladder or liver and the fats and lipids in the intestines will pass through undigested. In the case of bile duct cancer, a tumor may obstruct the flow of bile. If this happens, the bilirubin (a brownish-yellow substance found in bile) builds up and causes jaundice, or the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is not itself a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition, typically affecting the liver or biliary system.Cholangiocarcinoma...

Read more »

Bile Duct Cancer Risk Factors

Chronic Inflammation or DiseasesSclerosing cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct) Ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestine) Bile duct stones Gallbladder stones Pancreatitis Irritable bowel syndromeChronic inflammation or irritation may also develop into diseases or conditions that are associated with bile duct cancer.Inherited Causes of Bile Duct CancerThere are a few rare inherited disorders, like Caroli disease (also called Caroli's syndrome), that may make some people more prone to infection, thereby increasing irritation of the bile ducts and the risk of cancer. However, most cases of bile duct cancer do not appear...

Read more »

Potential Bile Duct Cancer Risk Factors

This list of risk factors includes: certain disease of the liver or bile ducts; chronic irritation or inflammation of the bile ducts; parasite infections; obesity; family history; environmental factors (exposure to carcinogens or radioactive chemicals); and certain lifestyle behaviors. Again, although all of these risk factors can increase your chances of developing bile duct cancer, having one or more of them does guarantee you will develop cancer. Open communication with your doctor will help you to better understand these risk factors as they relate to your overall health. Please discuss with your doctor any of these factors that...

Read more »

Understanding Bile Duct Cancer

Produced in the liver, bile (yellow-green fluid) is stored in the gallbladder and drains into the small intestines during digestion to help break down fats and lipids. Bile is transported to these organs through a system of ducts, known as the biliary system. This system delivers 50 to 100 tablespoons of bile every day. These small tube-like structures play a significant role in the digestive process.The bile ducts function closely with other organs in the digestive system. Inflammation, irritation, or an obstruction within this system may cause digestive problems or jaundice, or develop into a chronic disease. Some of these conditions...

Read more »