Introduction: What is Bile Duct Cancer?

The bile duct is a small tube that connects the liver, gallbladder and pancreas to the small intestine. This is the common bile duct. The liver has two small bile ducts called the right and left hepatic ducts that join to form the hepatic duct.

 

Bile duct cancer or cholangiocarcinoma occurs when the healthy cells in the duct begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. As cancer grows, the abnormal cells spread into the healthy tissues and surrounding organs. If not controlled in time, bile duct cancer can spread to distant areas in the body. 

The severity of bile duct cancer depends upon the tumour’s location in the bile duct, its size, spread and overall health of the individual. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can improve outcomes and improve quality of life.

How is Bile Duct Cancer Treated?

The extent of bile duct cancer is essential in determining the treatment options. The first line of treatment for bile duct cancers is surgery. Early-stage cancers treated with surgery have a high chance of getting cured.

 

Depending on the ease of surgical treatment of bile duct cancers, they can be of two types:

• Resectable: Bile duct cancers that can be removed entirely by surgery
• Unresectable: Bile duct cancers that have spread too far and cannot be removed entirely by surgery

 

Treatment options for resectable cancers

These cancers are early-stage, and surgery can help remove the cancer cells. Your doctor will assess and evaluate if you are fit for surgery. You might require radiation or chemotherapy after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and prevent a chance of recurrence.

 

Treatment options for unresectable cancers

Most people with bile duct cancer report late when the cancer is in its advanced stages, due to which it may have spread to other nearby tissues and organs. In these cases, surgery cannot completely remove cancer cells. So, treatment for unresectable cancers may involve the following:

 

• Surgery to place a stent or radiation therapy to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life (palliative treatment)
• Chemotherapy or chemoradiation therapy to kill cancer cells spread in the body
• Clinical trials of targeted and immunotherapy drugs in patients with specific gene mutations

How Can Klarity Oncology Help?

At Klarity Oncology, we understand the importance of personalised cancer care and the urgency involved in diagnosis and treatment. With a strong cancer care network, our team will hand hold you through each step in your bile duct cancer treatment and empower you to make informed decisions about your treatment. If you have any doubts or concerns about your diagnosis or need a second opinion, reach out to us today!

 

Bile Duct Cancer Cost in the UK

Bile duct cancer treatment is easily accessible and affordable across the UK. Your doctor will determine the best possible treatment options for you based on several clinical and health factors and recommend a customised plan. 

 

The cost of bile duct cancer treatment is based on several clinical factors such as– stage, grade, the extent of spread, the surgical procedure involved, medications, chemotherapy and radiation sessions. Discuss with your insurance provider how much of the treatment is covered under your insurance plan to chart out your finances accordingly.

How is Bile Duct Cancer Treatment Cost Calculated?

Your doctor will offer you treatment options for your bile duct cancer. You can discuss each treatment’s benefits, side effects, and outcomes before choosing one. The cost of your bile duct cancer treatment is calculated based on the following factors:

 

• Stage and grade of your cancer
• Existing health conditions that require management 
• Number of surgical procedures needed during treatment
• Hospital stay costs
• Outpatient procedure costs
• Palliative treatment (when needed)
• Travel to the hospital or cancer care centre for your appointments
• Doctor charges

 

The treatment of bile duct cancer varies for each patient, and so does the cost. Though your doctor will give an estimated cost of your treatment at the beginning, you can expect the cost to vary as the treatment progresses. It is always better to keep some additional funds for your cancer treatment to cover unexpected treatment costs (if they arise).

 

Talk to Us

When it comes to cancer care, leave everything to us. From consultation with the top oncologists in the UK to help you find a second opinion from an expert doctor, we want you to take the best care of your health. 

 

Need help with your bile duct cancer? Talk to us today!