Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month is observed during February each year. This is a period set aside to educate and inform people about everything regarding the cancer of the bile ducts. During February, several available means are employed by relevant bodies and individuals to help people understand the risk factors of bile duct cancer, how to prevent it, and the best ways to manage it if already contracted. This devastating cancer may also have an effect that is beyond the physical body; therefore, this day has been set aside to let people know that they aren’t alone during their trying times.

Cancer, as is generally known, is a group of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth with the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Cholangiocarcinoma is a particular type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts, and when present in a person’s body, can cause symptoms such as weight loss, fever, yellowish skin, and abdominal pain. This type of cancer can be detected in the body through means of blood tests, endoscopy, M.R.I.s, and surgical exploration. The diagnosis is only confirmed after the tumor is examined under a microscope.

The bile ducts are thin tubes that transport a fluid called ‘bile’ from the liver to the gallbladder and to the intestine to help digest fats. This type of cancer that affects them has risk factors that include being older than the age of 60, obesity, exposure to certain chemicals, and having high alcohol consumption. Classified according to their location, they can be ‘Intrahepatic’ — cancer that develops in tiny bile ducts inside the liver — or ‘extrahepatic’ — one that starts outside the liver.

Cholangiocarcinoma is incurable at the point where it’s diagnosed, and in these cases, palliative treatment is recommended. The treatment can be either surgical, which includes removal of the bile duct, partial hepatectomy, biliary bypass, or non-surgical, which includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The awareness month for this deadly bile duct cancer is a very important period in the year that ultimately helps better understand the disease, reduce the chances of developing it, and limit its effect.

This is a perfect period to make a firm decision to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid habits that could increase the risk of cancer. You will be glad you made those choices in the long run.

You can contribute your quota as a worker or by lending financial support to charities that help spread awareness. Your role will go a long way in advancing the cause.

Through word of mouth, or via social media platforms, share relevant and vital information about cholangiocarcinoma. There’s no telling how many people could benefit directly from the shared knowledge.

The bile duct drains a fluid called ‘bile’ from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine, where the bile aids in the digestion of fats in food.

Small parasitic flatworms can live in the bile ducts and cause a condition known as ‘liver rot.’

Compared to the length of the intestines, the bile duct, which averages about four to five inches, is quite short.

When the bile duct is blocked as a result of gallstones in the body, it may cause an enlargement of the gallbladder.

Through a technique known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, the bile duct can be directly examined for the presence of gallstones, tumors, or inflammation.

To know more about it, visit this LINK.