Biliary Cirrhosis / Bile Duct Cancer

What is biliary cirrhosis?

Biliary cirrhosis is a rare form of liver cirrhosis, caused by disease or defects of the bile ducts. Symptoms usually include cholestasis (accumulation of bile in the liver). There are two types of biliary cirrhosis:

• primary biliary cirrhosis - inflammation and destruction of bile ducts in the liver.

• secondary biliary cirrhosis - results from prolonged bile duct obstruction or narrowing or closure of the bile duct.

What is bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)?

Next to gallstones, cancer is the most common cause of bile duct obstruction. Most bile duct cancers come from cancers that originated in the pancreas.

What are the symptoms of bile duct cancer?

The following are the most common symptoms of bile duct cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• abdominal pain
• poor appetite
• weight loss
• itching

The symptoms of bile duct cancer may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is bile duct cancer diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for bile duct cancer may include the following:

• ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs of the abdomen such as the liver spleen, and kidneys and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

• computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging procedure using a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

• cholangiography - x-ray examination of the bile ducts using an intravenous (IV) dye (contrast).

• biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope.

Treatment for bile duct cancer:

Specific treatment for bile duct cancer will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• cause of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• surgery
  Surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue, as well as nearby non-cancerous tissue. The most common operation is called gastrectomy, or surgical removal of all or part of the stomach. If part of the stomach is removed, it is called a subtotal or partial gastrectomy. If the entire stomach is removed, it is called a total gastrectomy.
  
  
• radiation therapy
  Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.
  
  
• chemotherapy
  Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.

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