A type of cancer that originates in the bile ducts, the structures responsible for transporting bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. Although its causes are not always clear, risk factors such as chronic liver diseases, parasitic infections, diabetes and obesity have been identified.
In its early stages, the disease often has no symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients often notice yellowing of the skin and eyes, a feeling of tiredness, unexplained weight loss, itchy skin and abdominal pain mostly in the right region.
Diagnosis combines questioning about symptoms and physical examination with imaging tests such as CT and MRI. Occasionally, endoscopic testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The complexity of the treatment and chances of recovery depend on factors such as when the cancer is detected and whether it can be completely removed.
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