Doctor explains WARNING SYMPTOMS and SIGNS of BILE DUCT CANCER (aka Cholangiocarcinoma)

In this video Doctor O'Donovan explains possible warning signs and symptoms of bile duct cancer - which is known medically as 'cholangiocarcinoma'; plus causes, investigations and what happens when you go to see your doctor.

WHAT IS BILE DUCT CANCER?

Bile duct cancer, also called cholangiocarcinoma, is a cancer that's found anywhere in the bile ducts.

The bile ducts are small tubes that connect different organs, including the liver and gall bladder. They are part of the digestive system.

How serious bile duct cancer is depends on where it is in the bile ducts, how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.

WHAT CAUSES BILE DUCT CANCER?

Anyone can get bile duct cancer. It's not always clear what causes it. You might be more likely to get it if you:

are over the age of 65
have certain medical conditions, such as abnormal bile ducts, long term swelling in the bowel (ulcerative colitis) or bile ducts, a parasite in the liver (liver flukes), bile duct stones and liver cirrhosis

WHAT ARE POTENTIAL SYMPTOMS OF BILE DUCT CANCER?

Bile duct cancer may not have any symptoms, or they can be hard to spot.

Symptoms of bile duct cancer can include:

the whites of your eyes turning yellow or your skin turning yellow, which may be less obvious on brown or black skin (jaundice)
itchy skin
darker pee and paler poo than usual
loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
feeling generally unwell
feeling tired or having no energy
a high temperature, or you feel hot or shivery

Other symptoms can affect your tummy, such as:

feeling or being sick
pain in your tummy

SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS

IMPORTANT:

Many of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have bile duct cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a DOCTOR. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.

Content and TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction
00:16 - What is bile duct cancer?
01:11 - Potential symptoms & signs of cholangiocarcinoma
02:00 - When to see your doctor

Tips on getting the most out of your doctors appointment:

Write down your symptoms including when they started, when they happen and how often you have them.
Write down anything that makes them worse or better.
Tell your doctor if you are worried about cancer.
Tell them if you have any family history of cancer.
Take a friend or relative along for support - they could also ask questions and take notes to help you remember what the doctor says.
Ask the doctor to explain anything you don’t understand.
Ask the doctor to write things down for you if you think it might help.

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Further information on bladder cancer and trusted sources:

Information from Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/abou...
NHS information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bile-du...
Mayo Clinic information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...

#doctor #cancer #cholangiocarcinoma #health #medical #bileduct #oncology #bileductcancer
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Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

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