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Cholangiocarcinoma    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Cancer - bile ducts; Bile duct cancer

Definition:

A malignant growth in one of the ducts that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.

Causes and Risks

Malignant tumors of the bile ducts are usually slow growing and late to spread (metastasize). However, by the time diagnosis is made, the tumors may be too advanced to remove surgically. The tumor can arise anywhere along the liver secretion (biliary) ducts.

The tumor produces symptoms by blocking the bile ducts. It affects both sexes, and a majority of cases are found in patients above the age of 65. Primary sclerosing cholangitis, choledochal (bile duct) cysts, and chronic biliary irritation are all associated with the development of cholangiocarcinoma. The disease is rare with an incidence of approximately 2 out of 100,000 people.

Ency. home > Disease > C > Cholangiocarcinoma

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