Cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, develops in the tubes that carry digestive fluids from the liver to the small intestine. This condition accounts for 10-20% of all liver cancer diagnoses.
There are three types of cholangiocarcinoma, each one differentiated by where in the bile duct the cancer develops. The classifications include:
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma – Cancers that develop in the branches of the bile ducts inside the liver.
- Perihilar (hilar) cholangiocarcinoma – These cancers (also known as Klatskin tumors) develop in the area where the bile ducts leave the liver.
- Distal cholangiocarcinoma – These cancers develop in the portions of the bile ducts that are closest to the small intestine (outside of the liver itself).
Together, perihilar and distal cholangiocarcinomas are referred to as extrahepatic bile duct cancer, due to their development outside of the liver.
At the Texas Liver Tumor Center, our surgeons and oncologists treat patients with all forms and stages of bile duct cancer. Our team can provide patients with the one-on-one attention and comprehensive answers that they need and deserve.
Novel cholangiocarcinoma therapies are also offered through our partnership with the Mays Cancer Center, home to the UT Health MD Anderson Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center.
As cholangiocarcinoma treatment often includes a combination of methods, such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, the Texas Liver Tumor Center team includes several medical professionals in each of these disciplines. Working together to evaluate each patient’s case, this team provides world-class treatment recommendations for patients across the nation.
For more information about cholangiocarcinoma and our unique approach to diagnosis and treatment, contact us.