Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a rare type of cancer that affects the bile ducts, which are the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. It is an aggressive cancer that can spread quickly and is difficult to treat. Unfortunately, many people who are diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma die from the disease.
The prognosis for cholangiocarcinoma is generally poor, with the median survival rate ranging from 3-12 months depending on the stage of the cancer. The 5-year survival rate is only 2-5%, and the 10-year survival rate is less than 1%. In general, the sooner the cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. Unfortunately, many cases of cholangiocarcinoma are not diagnosed until they have reached an advanced stage, making them much more difficult to treat.
Although there have been some advances in treatments for cholangiocarcinoma, such as chemotherapy and radiation, these treatments are not always effective and the disease is still considered to be incurable. Many people who are diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, therefore, die from the disease.
The most common cause of death for those with cholangiocarcinoma is usually due to complications of the disease such as infection, obstruction of the bile ducts, or liver failure. Other complications such as pain, malnutrition, and jaundice can also lead to death.
In conclusion, cholangiocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that is difficult to treat. Many people who are diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma die from the disease, usually due to complications such as infection, obstruction of the bile ducts, or liver failure. Unfortunately, the prognosis for cholangiocarcinoma is generally poor, with the median survival rate ranging from 3-12 months depending on the stage of the cancer.