Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment

Handling cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) aims to overcome the symptoms that arise and cure the cancer, and as much as possible in the early stages of cancer occurs. The main treatment options for bile duct cancer are surgery, including:

Laparoscopy. Here the doctor will make a small incision in the abdomen. The purpose of this procedure is to remove as many cancer cells as possible. In cases of cancer that have entered further severity, in addition to the bile ducts, the doctor may also be forced to remove the gallbladder, lymph nodes, and some liver or pancreas around the bile ducts.

Installation of a tube (stent) that can widen the bile duct and hold the channel open. The purpose of this procedure is to open blockages that occur in the bile ducts. Stent installation is done with endoscope tool.

Liver transplantation by taking the liver of the patient and replacing it with the liver organ from the donor. This action is performed to heal the cholangicarcinoma hilar.

Biliary drainage by bypass surgery to restore fluid delivery from the bile ducts that are affected by cancer.

Another pililhan treatment of bile duct cancer is through treatment to kill cancer cells or slow the progression of cancer cells. Treatment include:

- Radiation therapy. This is a therapy using radiation rays and protons that aim to destroy cancer cells by directing radiation beams to the targeted body area. This therapy can also be done by installing radioactive material in the body near the location of the affected cancer. Some of the side effects that are at risk from radiation therapy are diarrhea, the body feels tired, red skin, and hair loss in the treated area. Usually these side effects will disappear once therapy is stopped.

- Chemotherapy, ie therapy by using drugs to kill cancer cells and can be given before a liver transplant. In addition to killing cancer cells, this therapy can also help reduce the symptoms of cancer felt by the patient. Side effects of this therapy can be hair loss, fatigue, and risk of infection.

- Photodynamic therapy. This therapy aims to overcome the symptoms of cancer and inhibit the growth of cancer cells by injecting chemicals into the veins. After that, laser light irradiation will be done in the hope of triggering a chemical reaction that can kill cancer cells.

In addition to surgery and various therapeutic treatments to kill cancer cells, doctors can also provide opioid drugs (eg morphine) to relieve pain. Although proven to be very effective in relieving pain, the effects of these drugs can make cancer sufferers become persistent drowsiness or addiction.

Post-Treatment

After the treatment is completed, the patient still needs to undergo periodic checks, as well as the scans and laboratory tests to determine the development of conditions and side effects due to treatment. For several years after treatment is over, doctors will usually recommend routine checks every six months.