Treatment
The goal is to treat the cancer and the blockage it causes. When possible, surgery to remove the tumor is the treatment of choice and may result in a cure. However, often the cancer has already spread by the time it is diagnosed.
Chemotherapy or radiation may be given after surgery to decrease the risk of the cancer returning. However, the benefit of this treatment is not certain.
Endoscopic therapy or surgery can clear blockages in the biliary ducts and relieve jaundice in patients when the tumor cannot be removed.
For patients with cancer that cannot be removed, radiation therapy may be beneficial. Chemotherapy may be added to radiation therapy or used when the tumor has spread. However, this is rarely effective.
Support Groups
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group with members who share common experiences and problems (see cancer – support group).
Hospice is often a good resource for patients with cholangiocarcinoma that cannot be cured.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Completely removing the tumor allows 30% – 40% of patients to survive for at least 5 years, with the possibility of a complete cure.
If the tumor cannot be completely removed, a cure is generally not possible. With treatment, about half of these patients live a year, and about half live longer.
Complications
- Infection
- Liver failure
- Spread (metastasis) of tumor to other organs
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you have jaundice or other symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma.
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Cholangiocarcinoma : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cholangiocarcinoma : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cholangiocarcinoma : Treatment
Review Date : 9/4/2008
Reviewed By : Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
