What You Should Know About Gallbladder Cancer
Cancer of the bile duct is a cancer that grows in the organ of the bile ducts. The bile duct is a 4 to 5 inch thin channel that functions to move bile from the liver and the gallbladder to the small intestine. If it is in the small intestine, the bile helps to digest fat in the food you eat.
Cancer of the bile ducts, also called cholangiocarcinoma, more often attacks men than women. In general, this type of rare cancer occurs in people aged 50-70 years. Though rare, you need to raise awareness of this disease, in order to prevent it. Here's a full explanation of bile duct cancer.
Some other conditions that may increase your risk of developing bile duct include:
• Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Viral hepatitis
• Drinking alcohol
• Jaundice
• Pain in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Weakness
Cancer of the bile ducts, also called cholangiocarcinoma, more often attacks men than women. In general, this type of rare cancer occurs in people aged 50-70 years. Though rare, you need to raise awareness of this disease, in order to prevent it. Here's a full explanation of bile duct cancer.
What causes gallbladder cancer?
Long-term inflammation of the bile duct organ becomes the main cause of the disease. One example of inflammation that can lead to bile duct cancer is primary sclerosing cholangitis. The inflammation causes injury to the bile ducts. Here are some conditions that can increase the risk of bile duct cancer:- Gallstone stones : Conditions similar to gallstones, but smaller in size.
- Colced cysts : Changes in cells in the wall of the gallbladder connected to the bile ducts. Changes in these cells can also be a sign of cancer.
- Trematode liver infection : Trematodes are a type of parasitic worm that can affect the liver. This infection can occur if you eat raw fish infected with these small parasitic worms. The worms can settle in the bile ducts and cause cancer.
- Cirrhosis : Liver damage caused by alcohol and hepatitis. This condition can form wound tissue, and increase the risk of bile duct cancer.
Some other conditions that may increase your risk of developing bile duct include:
• Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Viral hepatitis
• Drinking alcohol
Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms
Cancer can grow in any part of the bile ducts. There are 3 types based on the place: intrahepatic (in the liver), perihilar (outside the liver), and distal (near the small intestine). The symptoms of bile duct cancer vary according to their location, but some include:• Jaundice
• Pain in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Weakness