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Bile Duct Cancer

Definition

Bile duct cancer is a rare disease in which cancer cells form in the part of bile duct that is outside the liver. The bile duct primarily moves bile -- which the body uses to digest food -- from the liver to the small intestine and gall bladder. The bile duct is a thin tube, about 4 to 5 inches long.

Cholangiocarcinoma is another name for a bile duct adenocarcinoma, which refers to gland cell cancer. In reference to the bile ducts, cholangocarcinoma pertains to cancer of the bile ducts inside the liver.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Most cases of bile duct cancer / cholangiocarcinoma are treated in the Multidisciplinary Liver Cancer Clinic. Learn more:

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The U-M Health System has more information about bile duct cancer as part of its Healthwise Knowledgebase. Learn more - this link takes you to the U-M Health System website.

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