Department of Medical Oncology
Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)

Specialized Physicians: Atrayee Basu Mallick, MD Avnish Bhatia, MD Christina Brus, MD Andrew E. Chapman, DO, FACP J. Frederick Laucius, MD Nancy Lewis, MD * Susan J. Littman, MD * Edith P. Mitchell, MD, FACP * Madhaven Pillai, MD * Michael J. Ramirez, MD Lewis J. Rose, MD, FACP Allison Zibelli, MD, FACP *Practice Focus: Gastrointestinal Oncology For further information contact: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital www.jeffersonhospital.org/cancer

Quick Facts

Each year in the United States, about 2,000-3,000 people develop cholangiocarcinoma, or cancer of the bile ducts. Most patients are 65 years or older. Risk factors include having primary sclerosingcholangitis, chronic ulcerative colitis, choledochal cysts, or infection with a Chinese liver fluke parasite. Possible signs of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) include jaundice, pain the abdomen, fever, and/or itchy skin.

Staging

Stage 0 In stage 0 (carcinoma in situ), abnormal cells are found in the innermost layer of tissue lining the extrahepatic bile duct. These abnormal cells may become cancer and spread

Stage I-A Cancer is found in the bile duct only.

Stage I-B Cancer has spread through the wall of the bile duct.

Stage II-A Cancer has spread to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and/or to either the right or left branch of the hepatic artery or portal vein.

Stage II-B Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and: is found in the bile duct; or has spread through the wall of the bile duct; or has spread to the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and/or the right or left branches of the hepatic artery or portal vein.

Stage III Cancer has spread : to the main portal vein or to both right and left branches of the portal vein; or to the hepatic artery; or to other nearby organs or tissues, such as the colon, stomach, small intestine, or abdominal wall. Cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage IV Cancer has spread to lymph nodes and/or organs far away from the extrahepatic bile duct.

Treatment

The team of experts treating bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) in the Department of Medical Oncology is composed of highly specialized and nationally known medical oncologists who work with nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and research nurses. Our physicians are some of the leaders in the field and have access to the most advanced technologies available for patient care.

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