What is bile duct cancer and how to check it

With the improvement of living standards, we are bound to face more problems. Diseases have a profound impact on our lives. Among them, the existence of bile duct cancer is one of them. It is closely related to our lives and affects one family after another. So, what is bile duct cancer? If a patient suspects that he or she has this disease, how should he or she check it? Let us explain it below.

Cholangiocarcinoma refers to a malignant tumor originating from the extrahepatic bile duct, including the bile duct from the portal area to the lower end of the common bile duct. There are many ways to check it, and pay attention to the following:

1. Laboratory examination: Bilirubin. Laboratory examination of cholangiocarcinoma shows obstructive jaundice. Elevated serum total bilirubin and direct bilirubin show cholestatic jaundice. Liver function. In patients with long-term biliary obstruction, there may be secondary liver damage. Mild elevation of ALT and AST is a manifestation of secondary liver damage. Due to malnutrition and liver damage, serum total protein and albumin will decrease. Laboratory examinations

2. Imaging examination: The main purpose of imaging examination is to diagnose the location of obstruction, determine the possible nature of the lesion, estimate the scope of the lesion and its relationship with surrounding tissues and organs. B-ultrasound examination is available. Among many imaging examinations, B-ultrasound is the preferred diagnostic method. CT examination is still a conventional examination method. It can show the dilatation of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, obvious dilatation of the proximal bile duct of the obstruction, enlarged gallbladder, sudden interruption of the dilated bile duct, irregular shape of the broken end, and mass shadows.

3. Histological diagnosis: The final diagnosis of the patient must be based on histological diagnosis. Cholangiocarcinoma can obtain histological specimens through percutaneous puncture, but in many cases, specimens for histological diagnosis are obtained by surgery.

Through the above examinations, if the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient must actively cooperate and try his best to save his life.