Bilduct Cancer

Advanced Surgical & Multidisciplinary Care for One of the Rarest GI Cancers

What is Bile Duct Cancer?

Bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the bile ducts—the thin tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Depending on where it occurs, bile duct cancer is classified as:

• Intrahepatic – inside the liver
• Perihilar (hilar) – at the junction where right and left bile ducts meet (most common)
• Distal – near the pancreas and small intestine

Bile duct cancer often progresses silently, and early symptoms are minimal. Timely diagnosis and expert surgical intervention are critical for better survival outcomes.

Risk Factors

• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
• Chronic bile duct inflammation or infections
• Liver fluke infestation (in endemic areas)
• Choledochal cysts
• Chronic hepatitis B/C or cirrhosis
• Older age, male gender
• Exposure to toxins or chemicals (e.g., dioxins)

Symptoms

Early bile duct cancer is often asymptomatic. As the tumor grows, symptoms may include:

• Painless jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
• Dark urine, pale stools
• Itching (pruritus)
• Upper abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Fever or recurrent infections (cholangitis)

Jaundice without gallstones should always be investigated thoroughly, especially in patients with bile duct abnormalities or liver disease.

Diagnosis

A detailed evaluation is essential to confirm cancer, assess its stage, and plan treatment:

• Liver function tests (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase)
• Tumor markers – CA 19-9, CEA
• Ultrasound and CT Scan
• MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) – Non-invasive bile duct imaging
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) – For fine-needle biopsy
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) – Imaging and stenting
• PET Scan – To detect distant metastasis

Why Choose Us?

• 30+ years of surgical experience in complex HPB cancers
• Trained at AIIMS New Delhi, India’s top medical institute
• Performed numerous liver resections and bile duct surgeries with high precision
• Certified trainer in robotic GI and HPB surgery
• Access to state-of-the-art imaging, pathology, and oncology support at CARE Hospitals

Dedicated to Providing Hope Through Expert Cancer Care

Though bile duct cancer is rare and challenging, early detection and surgical expertise can significantly improve prognosis.