Detailed anatomical description of the biliary system, including a full-color labeled illustration.
...more
Cancer starts when cells in the body change (mutate) and grow out of control. To help understand what happens when you have cancer, it helps to look at how your body normally works.
...more
If your healthcare provider thinks you might have bile duct cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to be sure.
...more
An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to assess the organs and structures in the belly. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the test.
...more
The stage of a cancer is how much and how far the cancer has spread in your body. Your healthcare provider uses exams and tests to find out the size of the cancer and where it is.
...more
Make sure you ask how the treatment will change your daily life, including your diet, and how you will look and feel after treatment. Ask how successful the treatment is expected to be, and what the risks and possible side effects are.
...more
Chemotherapy (or chemo) uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells.
...more
Radiation therapy is also called radiotherapy. Its goal is to kill or shrink cancer cells.
...more
Surgery is often the first choice to treat bile duct cancer. The goal is to remove all of the cancer.
...more
In some cases of bile duct cancer, the cancer may block the bile duct. The healthcare provider may put in a stent or a catheter to help clear the duct.
...more
You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals.
...more
Fatigue can come and go or stay constant for a while. Fatigue from chemotherapy tends to happen a few days after the treatment, peaks, and then gets better before the next treatment. Fatigue from radiation may not happen right away.
...more
Chemotherapy can damage your body’s ability to make red blood cells, so body tissues don't get enough oxygen. This is a condition called anemia. People who have anemia may feel very weak or tired, dizzy, faint, or short of breath, or may feel that their hearts are beating very fast.
...more
To reduce your risk for infection, avoid people who are sick with contagious illnesses, including colds, the flu, measles, or chickenpox.
...more
Detailed information on radiation therapy, one type of cancer treatment.
...more
Bile duct cancer is rare. It starts in the cells of the bile ducts. The bile ducts are a network of tiny tubes that connect the liver and the gallbladder to the small intestine. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
...more