In the United Kingdom, specialists sound the alarm in the face of the progression of cholangiocarcinoma, a form of particularly aggressive biliary cancer. According to Professor Jean-Frédéric Blanc, head of the digestive oncology department at the Bordeaux University Hospital, “The prevalence is around 1 to 2 people per 100,000 inhabitants“. Experts from the Liver Cancer UK charitable organization recall in the Daily Mail that “The first signs of the disease appear in the toilet“. These are dark urine and pale stools”Similar to putty“To these signals are added other events.”There is also an impairment of the general state associated or not with pain“Says Professor Blanc.
Multiple forms of discreet cancer
Cholangiocarcinoma develops in the channels connecting the liver, gallbladder and intestine. Depending on its location, there are several variants. “”When the tumor is located on large bile ducts and in particular on the main bile duct, we speak of extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma“Explains the specialist. This type is often associated with chronic inflammation.”Due to the proliferation of parasites in certain geographic areas, the prevalence of this type of cancer is more important in the countries of Southeast Asia, for example“He adds.
The so -called “perihilaire” shape corresponds to the junction of the bile ducts when leaving the liver. “”We often observe cases of primitive sclerosing cholangitis, an autoimmune disease that causes stenoses on the bile ducts of medium or large caliber“.
Finally, the intrahepatic form tackles the small bile channels of the liver. “”It is often secondary to liver diseases such as cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, metabolic syndrome or obesity“. In this case, the symptoms appear late.”In the event of an intrahepatic tumor, the signs are later and not very specific: pain, fever, weight loss … But in cirrhotic patients already followed, the diagnosis can be established earlier, which increases the chances of healing“.
Still complex treatments in the face of a late diagnosis
Medical imagery, supplemented by a biopsy, is essential to make the diagnosis. But often the disease is detected too late. “”In 50 to 60 % of cases, the diagnosis is made too late to consider treatment“, Land on white Professor. Surgery remains the best option, although rarely possible.”Surgery is achievable in only 20 % of cases, and it can be extremely complex, especially when the tumor is located at the exit of the liver“.
After the operation, 24 -week oral chemotherapy is generally prescribed to limit relapses. In the event of a jaundice, a medical device restores the bile flow, before another step. “”Once the jaundice is disappeared, we can then consider intravenous chemotherapy“. New tracks are taking shape with innovative treatments.”Immunotherapy, in full development, will be an additional weapon to treat these tumors in the coming years“, congratulates the white Professor.
The latter also recalls an essential point: “It is a myth that liver cancers are always linked to alcohol“.