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Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor of the bile duct system, originating from the bile duct epithelium, and mainly includes intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. It is more common in middle-aged and elderly people, with a slightly higher incidence in men than in women. Incidence is higher in European and American countries and East Asia, such as Japan and China, with living environment and dietary habits being important factors.
In Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma is particularly high, partly related to liver fluke infection. The malignancy is high, progresses rapidly, and easily causes bile duct obstruction and liver dysfunction, posing a serious threat to patients’ lives.
Stage I: Localized bile duct lesion
The tumor is confined within the bile duct wall, with no lymph node or distant metastasis. Surgical treatment is effective at this stage, with a 5-year survival rate of about 40%–50%.
Stage II: Local extension of the bile duct
The tumor invades surrounding tissues or nearby lymph nodes, but has not metastasized distantly. Treatment mainly involves surgery combined with adjuvant therapy, with a 5-year survival rate of about 30%–40%.
Stage III: Invasion of liver or nearby organs
The tumor further invades the liver or adjacent organs, with significant local progression. Treatment becomes more difficult, and the 5-year survival rate drops to 10%–20%.
Stage IV: Distant metastasis
The tumor metastasizes to distant organs such as the lungs or bones. Comprehensive treatment is required, including immune reconstruction cell therapy, with a 5-year survival rate below 10%.
1. Jaundice
Jaundice is the most typical symptom of cholangiocarcinoma, caused by bile duct obstruction. Patients develop yellowing of the skin and eyes, with dark urine, serving as an important warning sign of bile duct obstruction.
2. Upper abdominal pain
Patients often experience dull pain in the right upper abdomen or mid-upper abdomen. The pain is usually persistent, indicating tumor invasion of the bile ducts and surrounding tissues.
3. Skin itching
Due to bile stasis and elevated bilirubin levels, patients may develop generalized skin itching, particularly at night, which affects sleep quality.
4. Indigestion
Some patients experience nausea, loss of appetite, and bloating, reflecting bile duct dysfunction and liver impairment.
5. Fever with chills
Cholangiocarcinoma easily leads to bile duct infections, with symptoms of intermittent fever, chills, and systemic discomfort. Cholangitis complications should be considered.
6. Weight loss
Unexplained weight loss is a common late-stage manifestation of cholangiocarcinoma, indicating tumor metabolic consumption and malnutrition.
7. Ascites
In advanced stages, tumor invasion of the peritoneum may lead to ascites, presenting as abdominal distension and discomfort, indicating severe disease progression.
8. Abnormal liver function
Patients often show abnormal liver function indicators, such as elevated transaminases and increased bilirubin, reflecting hepatic involvement.
Early symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma are often subtle and overlooked, leading to late diagnosis and increased treatment difficulty. Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind that paying attention to early symptoms and undergoing timely screening and diagnosis are critical. Immune reconstruction cell therapy, as an advanced comprehensive treatment, offers new hope for cholangiocarcinoma patients, helping to improve prognosis and quality of life. Early detection and scientific treatment are the keys to overcoming cholangiocarcinoma.
