Liver Disease

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
abdominal pain
poor appetite
weight loss
itching

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

How is bile duct cancer diagnosed?

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

ultrasound - a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs
computerized tomography (CT scan) - a diagnostic technique in which a computer and x-rays are used to create cross-sectional images of the body
cholangiography - x-ray taken after contrast fluid had been injected into the bileducts either cudoscopically or percutaneously (through the skin)
biopsy

Treatment for bile duct cancer:

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

your 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
chemotherapy (drugs that kill cancer cells)
radiation therapy

This page was last updated on: February 6, 2008.

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