What is Small Cell Carcinoma of the Biliary tract?
It is a type of cancer that arises from cells in the gallbladder or bile ducts. … The bile ducts are thin tubes that exit the liver and enter the intestines. The bile ducts allow bile fluid to pass from the liver to the intestines, which aids in the digestion of fats. Small cell carcinoma of the biliary tract tends to metastasize (spread of the tumour from its site of origin to other parts of the body). It shows a poor prognosis (probable course of the disease) with treatment.
What is the Biliary tract?
The biliary tract is consists of the liver, gall bladder, and bile ducts. This system makes, store and secrete bile juice. Bile juice breaks down the fats into fatty acids thus helping in the digestion of the fats.
Disease Epidemiology
Small cell carcinoma of the biliary tract makes up approximately 0.1%-0.4% of all biliary tract cancers. It usually develops in older people.
Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are
- Pain in the chest
- Pain in the abdomen
- A palpable (felt able on touching) mass at the right side of the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice (yellowish discolouration of the white part of the eyes and the skin)
- Distension of the abdomen
- Constant body itching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constant Fever
- Excessive sweating at night
- Unintentional weight loss
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic techniques and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood coagulation profile
- BUN ( blood urea and nitrogen)
- Serum creatinine
- Liver function tests LFT’s
- Amylase and lipase values
- Imaging techniques like CT scan, MRI, PET scan, X-Ray, and USG to detect the site and size of the tumour.
- Cholangioscopy (USG of the gall bladder and biliary tree)
- ·Cholangiography
- MRCP (Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
- Serum bilirubin total, serum bilirubin conjugated and unconjugated
- Preoperative biopsy
Treatment
Surgical removal of the tumour is the most common and effective treatment option. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the treatment options in the advanced metastasis cases of the small cell carcinoma of the biliary tract.
What Support can we Give for Small Cell Carcinoma of the Biliary tract?
Small Cell Carcinoma of the Biliary tract is rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. So, we provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Small Cell Carcinoma of the Biliary tract, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
