Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
- The stage of the cancer (whether it affects only the bile duct or has spread to other places in the body).
- Whether the tumor can be completely removed by surgery.
- Whether the tumor is in the upper or lower part of the duct.
- Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
Treatment options may also depend on the symptoms caused by the tumor. Extrahepatic bile duct cancer is usually found after it has spread and can rarely be removed completely by surgery. Palliative therapy may relieve symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.
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