The union of the hepatic and cystic ducts forms the bile duct. This allows bile to be released into the small intestine, assisting the digestive system in breaking down the food we consume.
Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a disease that occurs when bile duct cells become affected, resulting in bile duct separation and uncontrolled growth.
Cholangiocarcinoma negatively affects the cells present in the bile ducts which are the body’s digestive system as they help with food digestion.
Intrahepatic bile duct cancer occurs when cancerous cells originate within the bile ducts.
The cancerous cells in this type develop outside the liver, near the junction of the left and right hepatic bile ducts.
The cancerous cells in this type are located in the distal region, which houses the bile ducts that connect the pancreas to the bowel.
Dark urine
Fever and nausea
Unexplainable weight loss
Itchy skin
Vomiting and chills
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Abdominal pain
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Pale stool
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Whiteness of the eyes
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Yellowness of the skin
Some foods that can help reduce inflammation include beans, lentils, sardines, citrus fruits, and tomatoes. However, certain foods should be avoided if you have bile duct cancer:
Consuming refined foods like bread, rice cakes, crackers, instant oatmeal, and white pasta contributes to obesity, which raises your risk of developing bile duct cancer.
Fried foods, such as cheese sticks and French fries, raise cholesterol levels in the body, are difficult to digest, and can harm the gallbladder by affecting the bile ducts.
Preserved vegetables are high in sodium, which causes water retention and may increase your risk of developing stomach cancer.
Salted meats, such as pancetta, chorizo, and salami, can aggravate bile duct cancer symptoms and cause other medical problems.
Raw fish contains parasites such as liver flukes, tapeworms, and roundworms, which can harm your liver and organs. Liver flukes, in particular, are harmful to the body and can increase the risk of developing bile duct cancer.
It is easier to manage bile duct cancer if you watch what you eat. Salted meats, preserved vegetables, sugary foods, and processed foods are all foods to avoid if you have bile duct cancer.