What is Cholangiocarcinoma?

Cholangiocarcinoma, commonly referred to as CCA, is a rare type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts. The bile ducts are thin tubes that connect the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. They carry a fluid called bile that helps with digestion. CCA begins in the cells that line the bile ducts both inside and outside of the liver. There are two main types of CCA - intrahepatic, which refers to cancer that forms inside the liver, and extrahepatic, which forms in the bile ducts outside the liver. Both types can be difficult to treat since the disease is usually advanced when symptoms appear and a diagnosis is made.

Risk Factors for Developing Cholangiocarcinoma

While the exact causes of CCA are still unclear, there are certain risk factors that are known to increase a person's chance of developing this disease. One of the strongest risk factors is primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a chronic inflammatory condition of the bile ducts. People with PSC have a much higher risk of Cholangiocarcinoma Other risk factors include liver flukes, certain parasitic infections that can cause chronic inflammation of the bile ducts.

Having other diseases like hepatitis C, cirrhosis, or liver disease can also increase risk. Genetics play a role as well - those with a family history of PSC or CCA are more likely to develop the disease. Advanced age is another risk, with most patients being diagnosed in their 60s and 70s. Men have a slightly higher risk than women.

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