Bile-Duct Tumor

Gallbladder cancer mostly affects women over 50; men are fewer, female:male ≈34:1. Clinical picture: long history of chronic cholecystitis, sudden deterioration once cancer develops, persistent dull right-upper-quadrant pain, anorexia, nausea with or without vomiting; late jaundice progressively deepens, accompanied by fever and ascites. Most cancers arise in the pancreatic head through which the common bile duct traverses; next in the bile duct itself at the junction of common bile duct and pancreatic duct, gallbladder or intrahepatic bile ducts. Rarely, obstruction results from metastatic tumor from other sites compressing the bile duct, or from enlarged lymph nodes due to lymphosarcoma; benign bile-duct tumors may also cause obstruction. Bile-duct tumor symptoms: jaundice, abdominal discomfort, decreased appetite, weight loss and pruritus; usually no fever/chills; symptoms progressively worsen.

Common Symptoms

Abdominal discomfort; weight loss; ascites; anorexia; abdominal pain

Causes and Pathogenesis

Most cancers arise in the pancreatic head through which the common bile duct traverses; next in the bile duct itself at the junction of common bile duct and pancreatic duct, gallbladder or intrahepatic bile ducts. Rarely, obstruction results from metastatic tumor from other sites compressing the bile duct, or from enlarged lymph nodes due to lymphosarcoma; benign bile-duct tumors may also cause obstruction.

Treatment

Surgery, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

1. To prevent bile-duct cancer: maintain a pleasant mental state; develop good dietary habits; avoid spicy food; reduce greasy food; avoid spirits. Actively treat precancerous lesions and remove possible causes of carcinogenesis. 2. For people over 40, especially women, have regular B-ultrasound; if cholecystitis, gallstones or polyps are found, follow up closely; if changes occur, treat early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the General Surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.