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I D Cancer Center
I D Cancer Center
From Diagnosis to Victory

Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma) Treatment in Lucknow | I D Cancer Center

Overview

Bile duct carcinoma, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare but aggressive cancer that forms in the bile ducts—the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine.
Because early symptoms are subtle, the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making timely evaluation and expert care essential.

At I D Cancer Center, we offer modern imaging, expert evaluation, and advanced multimodal treatment to improve outcomes and provide holistic support.

Types of Bile Duct Carcinoma

1. Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

  • Begins in the bile ducts inside the liver

  • Often behaves like liver cancer

2. Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin Tumor)

  • Occurs at the junction where left and right hepatic ducts meet

  • Most common type

3. Distal Cholangiocarcinoma

  • Occurs in bile ducts near the pancreas and small intestine

Common Symptoms

Early signs may be vague. Seek medical attention if you notice:

Liver-Related Symptoms

  • Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)

  • Dark urine / pale stools

  • Itching (pruritus)

Digestive Symptoms

  • Loss of appetite

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Abdominal pain (right upper side)

  • Nausea or vomiting

General Symptoms

  • Fatigue

  • Fever or chills

  • Weakness

Risk Factors

Your risk may increase with:

  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

  • Chronic liver disease

  • Bile duct stones

  • Parasitic infections (rare in India)

  • Hepatitis B/C

  • Fatty liver disease

  • Excessive alcohol intake

  • Obesity

  • Smoking

  • Congenital bile duct abnormalities (choledochal cysts)

Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center

Accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment planning. We offer:

1. Blood Tests

  • Liver function tests (LFT)

  • Tumor markers (CA 19-9, CEA)

2. Imaging Tests

  • Ultrasound

  • CT Scan

  • MRI / MRCP (best for bile duct mapping)

  • PET-CT for staging

3. Endoscopic Procedures

  • ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

  • EUS-guided biopsy

  • Stent placement for bile drainage
    (Performed at partner centers; treatment continues at I D Cancer Center)

4. Biopsy & Histopathology

Confirms cancer type and guides treatment decisions.

Each case is reviewed by our Multidisciplinary Tumor Board for a tailored treatment plan.

Treatment Options

1. Surgery (Curative when possible)

Best chance for cure in localized disease.
Types include:

  • Resection of bile ducts

  • Partial liver surgery

  • Whipple procedure (for distal tumors)

  • Removal of nearby lymph nodes

2. Radiation Therapy

Highly effective for:

  • Locally advanced disease

  • Inoperable tumors

  • Post-surgery (adjuvant RT)

  • Symptom control

At I D Cancer Center, we use:

  • IMRT / IGRT / VMAT

  • Image-guided precision planning

  • Tumor-bed boost for better control

Benefits:
✔ Non-invasive
✔ Organ-sparing
✔ Improved local control
✔ Better symptom relief

3. Chemotherapy

Used before or after surgery, or for advanced disease.
Common drugs include:

  • Gemcitabine

  • Cisplatin

  • Capecitabine

  • FOLFOX

4. Targeted Therapy

Used for advanced or metastatic cases based on genetic testing:

  • FGFR inhibitors

  • IDH1 inhibitors

5. Immunotherapy

Recommended in selected cases with specific biomarkers (e.g., MSI-H).

6. Palliative Care

Essential for advanced stages:

  • Bile duct stenting to relieve jaundice

  • Pain management

  • Nutritional support

  • Psychological support

Our focus is comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on location, tumor stage, resectability, and liver function.
With modern therapies and structured follow-up, outcomes continue to improve.