How to Differentially Diagnose Cholangiocarcinoma

There are many types of cancer nowadays, many of which we have never heard of, but we all think that cancer is an untreatable disease. Now many people are troubled by bile duct cancer, but they don’t know how to identify and diagnose it. So, let us learn together how to differentiate and diagnose bile duct cancer.

The differential diagnosis should consider other causes of extrahepatic and intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice. Common bile duct stones are characterized by paroxysmal partial obstruction with the characteristic triad of cholelithiasis (jaundice, abdominal pain, and fever), whereas malignant obstructive jaundice is generally painless and progressive.

In obstruction caused by stones, bilirubin rarely exceeds 150 mg/L and is usually below 100 mg/L. Malignant tumors at the lower end of the common bile duct are often accompanied by gallbladder enlargement, while stone obstruction is less common. Obstructive jaundice accompanied by painless gallbladder enlargement is often a sign of tumor. Patients with cholestatic jaundice that lasts for more than 2 weeks and whose diagnosis is unclear should undergo further imaging examinations for confirmation.

When diagnosing extrahepatic bile duct cancer, especially hilar bile duct cancer, it is also important to pay attention to the analysis of differential diagnosis and obtain confirmation of histological diagnosis. This is very important, especially paying attention to the differentiation of benign inflammatory stenosis in the hilar area; pancreatic head cancer; gallbladder cancer invading the hilar area; hepatocellular carcinoma invading the bile duct and causing intrabiliary cancer thrombus; metastatic cancer in the hilar area and other diseases.

Notes on bile duct cancer:

1. Patients with diseases closely related to bile duct cancer, such as bile duct cystic dilatation and primary sclerosing cholangitis, should undergo regular follow-up examinations;

2. Eating more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, fish and seafood will help clear the gallbladder and dampness and dissolve stones.

3. Leading a regular life, paying attention to the combination of work and rest, regularly participating in physical activities, eating breakfast on time, avoiding weight gain, and reducing the number of pregnancies are also very important preventive measures.

4. The incidence of bile duct cancer is related to the dietary structure and pattern. Therefore, a reasonable diet for bile duct cancer is an important guarantee for treatment and recovery. You should choose foods that are easy to digest and absorb, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.