A 40% increase in this unfamiliar cancer over 10 years... suspect if your face turns red

 

Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) has a 5-year survival rate of only 29%, earning it the nickname "poor prognosis cancer." As the prevalence increases domestically, it is recommended to visit a hospital promptly for examination upon the appearance of suspicious symptoms.

Bile duct cancer collectively refers to three types: intrahepatic bile duct cancer, extrahepatic bile duct cancer, and gallbladder cancer (50%). According to the National Cancer Information Center, the number of bile duct cancer patients in Korea increased by 40% over ten years, from 5,444 in 2011 to 7,617 in 2021. The patient mortality rate is also high, at 11.6 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than Japan's 7.4 per 100,000, ranking first in the undesirable category.

 

Factors contributing to cholangiocarcinoma development

 

Liver fluke infection parasitizing freshwater fish

 

Old gallstones (bile duct stones)

 

Gallbladder polyp expansion

 

Obesity and overweight are present.

 

<Main Symptoms>

 

△Reduced digestive ability

 

△Abdominal pain and bloating

 

△Weight loss

 

Anemia, etc.

 

However, non-specific symptoms such as fatigue and chest pain also appear, making it difficult for the general public to notice.

 

The characteristic precursor symptom of bile duct cancer is 'jaundice.' When the bile duct is obstructed, bile flow is blocked, causing a buildup of bilirubin (a main component of bile) in the body, which turns the whites of the eyes and skin yellow. Therefore, it is important to visit a hospital promptly when symptoms appear to determine the cause.

Gallstones, which are stones accumulated in the bile duct, are also one of the early signs of bile duct cancer. More than 60% of patients with this cancer have gallstones, and if the gallstones are larger than 3cm, the risk of developing cancer increases by about ten times.

The presence of bile duct cancer can be confirmed through abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other tests. Especially for individuals with gallstones, it is recommended to undergo annual abdominal ultrasound examinations during health check-ups for continuous monitoring, and to seek specialist consultation for removal if necessary.

Ko Dong-hee, Secretary General of the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association and Professor of Gastroenterology at Hanlim University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, advised, "In addition to polyps and gallstones, many people with bile duct cancer also have elevated liver enzyme levels," and added, "If you think your liver is deteriorating and ignore it, imaging tests may be delayed, so it's important to pay close attention to liver enzyme levels as well."

He also added, "Gallbladder cancer, among bile duct cancers, is particularly associated with smoking and obesity," emphasizing the need to establish healthy lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking and exercising regularly.