A 56-year-old man in Hanoi experienced dull pain in the right lower quadrant for several days, along with jaundice, dark urine, and discolored stools. After visiting the doctor, he was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma with liver metastases. The patient had been experiencing unusual symptoms for the past 4 months, including weight loss. Doctors at Bach Mai Hospital identified biliary obstruction due to a tumor in the lower part of the common bile duct and recommended laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy and biliary-enteric anastomosis. The patient was then transferred to the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Center for further treatment.
On December 17, Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, the Director of the Center, shared the surgical results of the patient, which revealed cholangiocarcinoma invasion into the pancreas, duodenum, and liver due to liver metastasis. After undergoing 6 cycles of intravenous infusion and chemotherapy, the patient showed positive results, with tumor markers decreasing to normal levels and CT scans showing no tumors in the liver and abdomen. The patient is currently undergoing continued treatment and is improving his health.
Cholangiocarcinoma is a type of cancer that originates from the epithelial cells of the biliary tract. It can metastasize to various locations within the body. Symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma may not be apparent in the early stages, but they can include jaundice, itchy skin, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Detecting cholangiocarcinoma early can be challenging, but techniques such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and biopsy can help in diagnosis and treatment planning.
It is recommended that individuals at high risk for cholangiocarcinoma, such as those over 50 years old, long-term smokers, and individuals exposed to toxic substances, undergo regular health check-ups to prevent the disease. Early detection and treatment are key in managing cholangiocarcinoma effectively.