In the United Kingdom, specialists are concerned about an increase in cholangiocarcinoma. This cancer of the bile ducts, particularly aggressive, remains rare but constantly increasing. “”The prevalence is around 1 to 2 people per 100,000 inhabitants“We said Professor Jean-Frédéric Blanc, head of the Digestive Oncology Service at the Bordeaux University Hospital, in a previous article.
Serious cancer, which gives two special symptoms
Cholangioncinoma is cancer that tackles the channels that connect the liver, gallbladder and intestine. And in some cases, “The first signs of the disease appear in the toilet“Cons up experts from the Liver Cancer UK charitable organization in the Daily Mail. This isabnormally dark urine and pale stools “similar to putty”.
“”There is also an impairment of the general state associated or not with pain“Specifies our specialist. The diagnosis is often late, while the tumor obstructs the bile ducts. This then prevents the bile from passing properly and causes toxic accumulation in the body.
A disease with multiple faces, often silent
Depending on its location, cholangiocarcinoma is available in three distinct forms, with various origins and symptoms.
- “”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 white Professor. This form is often linked to chronic inflammation caused by congenital anomalies, infections, calculations or parasitoses. “”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.
- Another form, called “perihilaire” affects the junction of the bile ducts located at the exit of 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“he explains;
- As for intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma, finally, it directly attacks small bile ducts inside the liver. “”It is often secondary to liver diseases such as cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, metabolic syndrome or obesity “ Specifies the white Professor.
In this last form, the symptoms are even more discreet. “”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 “.
Complex treatments in the face of an often late diagnosis
Despite medical progress, cholangiocarcinoma remains difficult to treat. The diagnosis is based on imaging examinations such as ultrasound, scanner or MRI. In case of suspicion, a biopsy is essential to confirm the nature of the tumor. But acting quickly is crucial. “”In 50 to 60 % of cases, the diagnosis is made too late to consider treatment“Regrets Professor Blanc.
When the tumor is operable, surgery remains the reference treatment. “”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 “ underlines the specialist.
Once operated, the majority of patients receive oral chemotherapy for 24 weeks to avoid relapses. In the event of jaundice, a prosthesis can be placed in the bile ducts in order to restore the flow of bile. “”Once the jaundice is disappeared, we can then consider intravenous chemotherapy“He said.
Emerging therapies reinforce the therapeutic arsenal. “Immunotherapy, in full development, will be an additional weapon to treat these tumors in the coming years” The white Professor welcomes. But the fight against this disease also involves awareness.
“”It is a myth that liver cancers are always linked to alcohol“He believes. Taking care of your health also involves a good overall lifestyle, including balanced diet and regular physical activity.