Bile duct cancer does not typically manifest symptoms until the disease reaches its later stages, but sometimes it shows signs in the early stages also. Treatment may be more effective if the cancer is detected early, says one of the top gastro surgeons in Kolkata.
When bile duct cancer causes symptoms, it's mainly due to a blocked bile duct. Symptoms vary depending on whether the tumour is in the liver's ducts (intrahepatic) or outside the liver's ducts (extrahepatic) and include:
- Jaundice: The liver produces bile, which is then discharged into the intestine. Jaundice develops when the liver can't get rid of bile, which contains the greenish-yellow chemical bilirubin. Bilirubin accumulates in the circulation and settles in various regions of the body. The common signs of jaundice are yellowing skin and in the whites of the eyes.
Although jaundice is the most prevalent sign of bile duct cancer, it isn't always caused by cancer. Hepatitis (liver inflammation) or a gallstone that has moved to the bile duct are the most common causes. However, if you develop jaundice, you should consult a gastroenterologist surgeon in Kolkata immediately.
- Itching: Itching can also be caused by an excess of bilirubin in the skin. Itching is common in persons with bile duct carcinoma.
- Light-coloured/greasy stools: Because bilirubin adds to the brown colour of bowel movements, the colour of a person's stool may be lighter if it does not reach the intestines.
A person may be unable to digest fatty meals if cancer blocks the flow of bile and pancreatic secretions into the intestine. The fat that hasn't been metabolized might also create extremely pale stools says one of the best gastroenterology doctors inKolkata.
- Dark Urine: When bilirubin levels in the blood get too high, it might leak into the urine, darkening it.
- Abdominal (belly) pain: Early bile duct cancers seldom cause discomfort, but larger tumours, especially below the ribs on the right side, can cause abdominal pain.
- Loss in weight/appetite: People suffering from bile duct cancer may not feel hungry and lose weight without consciously trying.
- Fever: Fever is a symptom of bile duct carcinoma in some individuals.
- Vomiting and nausea: These are not typical signs of bile duct cancer, although they can occur in persons with a bile duct obstruction and developing an infection (cholangitis). These symptoms are frequently noticed, along with a fever says a top gastro surgeon in Kolkata.
Treatments for bile duct cancer:
Bile ducts empty the digesting fluid bile into the small intestine, and bile duct cancer prevents the bile tubes from doing their job. To restore the function of the bile ducts, doctors may use various therapy options. The doctor can employ the following therapies to treat bile duct cancer.
The main types of treatment for bile
duct cancer include:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Palliative Therapy
- Liver Transplant
It’s important to discuss all treatment options, including their possible side effects, keeping in mind the signs and symptoms of the disease, with the best gastroenterology doctor in Kolkata to make the decision that
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