The difference between bile duct tumors and bile duct cancer

The main difference between bile duct tumors and bile duct cancer is whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Bile duct tumors can be either benign or malignant, while bile duct cancer is a malignant tumor. Benign tumors grow slowly and usually do not spread, while bile duct cancer is invasive and may metastasize to other organs.

1. Classification of bile duct tumors

Bile duct tumors are divided into benign and malignant. Benign tumors such as bile duct adenoma and bile duct papilloma usually grow slowly and have mild symptoms, which may manifest as bile duct obstruction or jaundice. Malignant tumors, namely bile duct cancer, include intrahepatic bile duct cancer, extrahepatic bile duct cancer and gallbladder cancer. They are invasive and have no obvious symptoms in the early stage. In the late stage, jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, etc. may occur.

2. Causes of bile duct cancer

The etiology of bile duct cancer is complex, involving genetic, environmental, physiological and other factors. Genetic factors include family history of bile duct cancer; environmental factors include long-term exposure to chemicals and parasitic infections; physiological factors include chronic cholangitis and gallstones; trauma such as bile duct injury; and pathological factors such as cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.

3. Treatment of bile duct tumors

Benign bile duct tumors are usually removed by surgery, such as choledochoscopy and laparoscopy. Treatment of malignant bile duct cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Surgery includes bile duct resection and liver resection; chemotherapy drugs include gemcitabine and cisplatin; radiotherapy includes three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving survival rates.

4. Prevention of bile duct cancer

Prevention of bile duct cancer should start with lifestyle and health management. Avoid long-term exposure to harmful chemicals, pay attention to dietary hygiene, and prevent parasitic infections. Regular physical examinations, especially for people with a history of bile duct diseases, can detect and treat cholangitis, gallstones and other diseases early to reduce the risk of bile duct cancer.

The difference between bile duct tumors and bile duct cancer is whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Biliary duct cancer has a higher risk of invasiveness and metastasis. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are the key to improving the survival rate of patients with bile duct cancer. Regular physical examinations and health management can help prevent the occurrence of bile duct cancer.