Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer found in the tissue of the bile ducts, occurring in approximately two out of 100,000 people. Men and women are equally affected and most cases occur in people over age 65. The bile duct is a small tube that connects the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. The ducts carry bile -- the liquid that helps break down fat in food during digestion -- out of the liver.

Tumors can develop anywhere on the bile ducts and are typically slow growing. However, by the time a diagnosis usually is made, many of the tumors are too advanced to be surgically removed. Other conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, bile duct cysts and chronic biliary irritation, are associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma.

At UCSF Medical Center experts treat cholangiocarcinoma using surgery and radiation therapy.

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Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 14, 2008