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Cancer obstructing bile ducts
by: DR SOON

Malignancies that lead to bile duct obstruction are biologically very aggressive. In the majority of cases palliation of symptoms is the only treatment available. A multidisciplinary approach should be taken when deciding on the best management for these patients. As the life expectancies of these patients are short, minimally invasive procedures should be used where possible.

Endoscopic therapy is ideal to enable safe and effective palliation of symptoms caused by advanced gastrointestinal malignancy.

Symptomatology of malignant bile duct obstruction include obstructive jaundice, pruritus, anorexia, malaise, weight loss, cholangitis, nutritional disturbance, liver failure.

These symptoms may resolve with relieve of bile duct obstruction.

The causes are as follows:

1. Pancreatic carcinoma is the most common cause. 80% of carcinoma of head of pancreas presents with bile duct obstruction. At diagnosis, 90% are not resectable.

2. Ampullary carcinoma

3. Cholangiocarcinoma

4. Lymph nodes

5 Gall bladder cancer

6. Metastsia

7. Hepatocellular carcinoma

  Endoscopic therapy is a highly specialized field and will be discussed in a separate article.

If you have questions related to this article you may e-mail me at doctor@soontongkiong.com quoting the contents of the article.

About the author

DR SOON is a medical practitioner. He holds four degrees. MBBS (University of Malaya), MBA (University of East Asia), LLB (Hons) (University of Wolverhampton), Master of Medicine (Edith Cowan University).

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Dr SOON is the owner of AskMyVisitor.com and  MyScriptDoctor.com

where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on

many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

 

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