Query: Is cholangiocarcinoma deadly?
Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) is a type of cancer that is rare, but deadly. It occurs when cells in the bile ducts, which are located in the liver, become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably. The cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, and lungs, making it difficult to treat.
The prognosis for cholangiocarcinoma depends on the stage at which it is detected and how far it has spread. Unfortunately, cholangiocarcinoma is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If the cancer is caught early, when it is localized in the bile duct, the prognosis is much better and the patient may be able to undergo surgery to remove the cancer.
However, even if the cancer is localized, it can still be deadly. The five-year survival rate for localized cholangiocarcinoma is only 25 to 30 percent. This is because the cancer can recur or spread to other parts of the body, even after surgery.
The five-year survival rate for metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) is much lower, ranging from 4 to 11 percent. This is because the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat.
Overall, cholangiocarcinoma is a deadly form of cancer. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis, but even with early detection the cancer can still be difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma and to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.