Cholangiocarcinoma

Alternative names:

bile duct cancer; cancer of the bile ducts

Definition:

A malignant growth in one of the ducts that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Malignant tumors of the bile ducts are usually slow growing and late to spread (metastasize). However, by the time diagnosis is made, extension into local structures has frequently occurred. The tumor is usually small and can arise anywhere along the liver secretion (biliary) ducts.

The tumor produces symptoms by blocking the bile ducts. It affects both sexes, and is most prevalent in ages 50 to 70. Chronic nonspecific ulcerative colitis, choledochal (bile duct) cysts, and chronic biliary irritation may lead to increased incidence. The incidence is 5 out of 100,000 people.