Hilar cholangiocarcinoma treatment

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma starts where the right and left bile ducts meet near the liver. The location can affect bile drainage and can bring the tumour close to major vessels. Imaging, tissue information when appropriate, liver function, and general fitness help a specialist team decide whether an operation is feasible.

When removal is possible, surgery may involve taking out the tumour and the affected bile duct, sometimes with nearby liver tissue and reconstruction to restore bile flow. If surgery is not suitable, treatment may focus on controlling the cancer, relieving blockage, and supporting liver function.

Ask whether your scans have been reviewed by a team experienced in bile duct cancer and whether more imaging or a tissue sample is needed. Bile drainage procedures may be considered when blockage causes jaundice or infection. Chemotherapy can be used to treat cancer throughout the body, while targeted therapy may be an option when testing identifies a suitable tumour feature.

Tell the team about jaundice, itching, fever, weight changes, medicines, and previous procedures. A dietitian, pain team, or specialist nurse can help with symptoms during treatment.

Contact your treatment team urgently for fever with yellowing of the skin, shaking chills, worsening abdominal pain, confusion, or repeated vomiting. A blocked or infected bile duct can need rapid treatment. Seek emergency help for severe pain, fainting, or difficulty staying awake.

Ask whether the tumour is considered removable, which structures are involved, and what an operation would include. Ask how bile drainage will be managed, whether chemotherapy or targeted therapy is recommended, and how treatment will be monitored.