Also known as cholangiocarcinoma, bile duct cancer is a rare type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts. Bile is a digestive fluid which is released by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile ducts are small tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder through the pancreas and into the small intestine. When cancer is developed in these ducts, blocking the bile flow, these can prove fatal if not treated timely.
To understand early warning signs and symptoms of bile duct cancer, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Devavrat Arya, Senior Director, Medical Oncologist, Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi.
Early Warning Signs Of Bile Duct Cancer
According to Dr Arya, Bile duct cancer is a challenging disease as its early signs and symptoms are often vague and easily overlooked. Here are some early warning signs you should watch out for.
1. Fatigue
Feeling unusually weak or tired which can be a common sign of many conditions including bile duct cancer.
2. Abdominal Pain
Pain in the upper right side of abdomen which may even go further till shoulder and back. One can mistake it for gastric issues or other digestive issues.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss
If an individual is not looking to lose weight, eating normally and still losing weight, it can be alarming.
4. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are one of the most common symptoms of enormous health conditions. From pregnancy, disbalance in sugar levels to cancer, it is common for all making it very difficult to recognise the actual condition.
Dr Arya said, “If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, it's important to see your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes for bile duct cancer.”
Also read: Can Carcinogens Affect Bile Duct? Expert Explains All About Bile Duct Cancer
Diagnosis
According to Dr Arya, diagnosis of bile duct cancer involves a multi-step process, often beginning with identifying potential signs and symptoms. He said, “If concerning indicators are present, a doctor will recommend further tests like Liver function blood tests and Tumor marker blood tests, Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, Biopsy and PET CT which is a specialized X-ray imaging technique involves injecting a contrast dye into the bile ducts to help visualize them better and identify any blockages or abnormalities.”
Causes
When asked about the causes of this fatal cancer, Dr Arya said that the exact cause of bile duct cancer remains unknown. Adding, he said, “Researchers have identified several risk factors that may increase a person's chances of developing the disease such as bile duct cancer is more common in people over the age of 65, Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) which is a chronic inflammatory liver disease that narrows and damages the bile ducts, Liver flukes are the parasitic worms can infect the bile ducts and increase the risk of bile duct cancer, Hepatitis B and C Infections are some of the reasons that can cause Bile duct Cancer.”
Also read: Bile Duct Cancer: How It Impacts Your Liver And Symptoms To Note
Preventive Measures
Saying that there is no guaranteed way to prevent bile duct cancer, Dr Arya said, there are certain measures you can potentially take to reduce your risk of cancer.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B, it can effectively prevent infection and potential complications including liver and bile duct cancers
- Regular checkups with your doctors are a must if you have any risk factor for bile duct cancer
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. We advise you to get in touch with your doctor or expert if you are facing any health issues.)