Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Bautista
Our Editorial Policy
Updated on: November 16, 2019
About Bile Duct Cancer
Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, affects the thin tubes that transport bile from the liver and gallbladder into the intestines. This form of cancer is uncommon, usually affecting an estimated 8,000 people in the U.S. every year.
Bile duct cancer is categorized based on the location of the tumor and the kind of cells involved. The three main types of bile duct cancer include:
- Intraheptic – This occurs in parts of the bile ducts within the liver and is sometimes identified as a form of liver cancer.
- Hilar or perihilar – This refers to bile duct cancer occurring just outside of the liver.
- Distal – This type of bile duct cancer occurs in the part of the bile duct nearest to the small intestine.
Causes and Risk Factors
As with all other forms of cancer, bile duct cancer is mainly caused by a genetic mutation that causes cells to grow abnormally and out of control. The exact causes that result in this genetic mutation are unknown. Family history may play a role. If your parents or close relatives have the disease, you may have an increased risk of diagnosis, but this risk is low. Most cases of the disease in cancer patients are not linked to family history.
Certain other factors may increase your risk of developing the disease. Excessive alcohol use and smoking are also associated with a higher risk of bile duct cancer. Problems in your liver and bile ducts, including inflammation, irritation, and obstructions, can contribute to digestive issues or chronic diseases, some of which are considered risk factors for bile duct cancer. These include:
- Bile duct stones
- Ulcerative colitis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging
The most common signs and symptoms of bile duct cancer include:
- Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Stools that are white in color
- Itchy skin
- General fatigue and weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Sudden weight loss
If you or your doctor suspect bile duct cancer based on your symptoms, they can perform a variety of tests to diagnose your condition. Your doctor can perform a liver function test to determine any abnormalities in your liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. Certain blood tests also allow doctors to test for common tumor markers. However, these may not be conclusive as other bile duct problems can potentially increase these tumor marker levels in the blood.
Along with lab tests, endoscopic and laparoscopic ultrasounds allow the doctor to see more detailed images of the bile ducts. Other imaging tests for diagnosis include a CT scan, MRIs, and cholangiograms.
Staging also categorizes the progression and severity of the cancer. Bile duct cancer is categorized from stage 0 to IV and based on the TNM system. “T” refers to a localized tumor. “N” refers to cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. “M” refers to cancer that has metastasized.
About Alternative/Natural Treatment of Bile Duct Cancer
Typical treatments for bile duct cancer usually comprise surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. While these treatments may be effective, they are often associated with negative side effects that can leave you weak and physically depleted, preventing you from living your life or fighting off the cancer.
Alternative treatments can help by mitigating side effects and providing natural methods for better health and recovery. Immunity Therapy Center offers a full range of alternative, natural treatments for bile duct cancer. Our team is committed to providing you with personalized treatment plans that can be customized to your specific needs and adjusted based on changes to your condition. With a wide range of alternative treatments, we can find a solution that fits you. One-on-one consultations also give us the opportunity to learn more about you as a person to maintain a positive relationship. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us today.
Therapies we use
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.
Customized Care For the Body And The Mind
Discuss Your Custom Alternative Treatment Plan With Our Team Today
Hear from Our Patients
See why the Immunity Therapy Center is a trusted name for medical tourism and cancer treatment centers in Mexico.
Karla Leonard
Karla Leonard, from Riverside, CA, battled Stage IV metastatic breast cancer with unwavering determination. Despite her initial disbelief at her deteriorating health, she found hope in ITC. Choosing ITC for treatment in May 2013, Karla harbored high hopes. She pressed on despite her son’s reservations. From day one, ITC impressed her with excellent service and […]
Sadie Litosky
Hailing from Calgary, Canada, Sadie Litosky’s life took a turn when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at just 19 years old. In a few short months, this first-year university student went from having a minor neck lump to facing breathing difficulties and chest pains. Sadie’s mother tirelessly researched treatment options worldwide and […]
Gabrielle Friscia
Facing Stage III Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Gabrielle Friscia and her family sought comprehensive treatment within their country’s borders. Unfortunately, their search came up short. By chance, it was Gabrielle’s father who discovered the ITC just days after her diagnosis. Initially skeptical about pursuing treatment in Mexico, like any patient, they embarked on this medical journey. The […]
Troy Clark
Troy Clark was diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer back in 2018. After watching his father go through chemo and radiation therapy on three different occasions, Troy wanted to explore other options. Through a referral of a friend, he found Immunity Therapy Center. “Everyone at ITC treats me with the utmost respect. What I get […]
Debbie Halper
“The Immunity Therapy Center Saved My Life and I Hope they Can Help You Too” On March 14th Debbie was diagnosed with a rare type of Ampullary and Liver Cancer. Her doctors told her that her diagnosis was essentially a death sentence. After some extensive research, Debbie discovered ITC online and decided it was worth […]
Martin Ocegueda
Martin Ocegueda is a resident of Temecula, California. In 2022, he arrived at ITC and was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. After being told by prior doctors that he only had 3 months to live, Ocegueda knew he needed to seek alternative treatment. His mother referred him to ITC, as his sister received treatment […]
Clara Kornelsen
9 years ago Clara Kornelsen came to ITC for treatment after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Although she was living in Canada at the time and healthcare was free, she felt it was the right thing to come to ITC for treatment. Today, Clara is “strong and healthy as ever” and thanks Dr. Bautista for […]
Arthur Rivas
Arthur Rivas, a California resident and Master of Science and Nursing, was diagnosed with Stage 3A Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Arthur, who has spent most of his life caring for others through the field of nursing, never thought he would be the one requiring extensive medical attention. With so much knowledge in the medical field, […]
Peter Richardson
Peter Richardson was having significantly increasing pain in his stomach earlier in February. Following doctors orders for treating constipation, Peter took laxatives and pain killers for 5 months, but nothing was helping. When he went back to the doctor a second time they did a CT scan and found a large mass in his abdomen […]
Melissa Porter
Prior to being diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, Melissa Porter lead a very healthy lifestyle. While traveling in Costa Rica she found a lump in her right underarm that was found to be Cancerous. When Melissa returned home she researched a variety of alternative treatment options and after being told about Immunity Therapy Center by her […]