C22.1

Clinical Causes: Chronic inflammation of the bile ducts, often due to infections or autoimmune conditions. Obstruction or damage caused by gallstones that block the bile ducts. Liver diseases that cause scarring or cirrhosis, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis. Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins in the environment. Increased risk in individuals with certain congenital bile duct abnormalities. History of biliary tract diseases or previous cancers in the liver area.

Key Symptoms: Jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite. Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right part of the abdomen. Dark urine and light-colored stools. Itching all over the body. Fever or chills if an infection is present. Nausea and vomiting. Swelling or a lump in the abdomen.

Diagnosis Path: Medical history review to evaluate symptoms and risk factors. Physical examination focused on the abdomen and liver. Blood tests to assess liver function and detect abnormalities. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the liver and bile ducts. Biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken from the liver to confirm cancer presence. Cholangiography procedures to image the bile ducts in detail. Blood tumor marker tests like CA 19-9 that may support the diagnosis.

Treatment Protocols: Surgical resection to remove the tumor if it is detected early and is confined to a specific area. Liver transplantation in select cases where the tumor is contained and meets criteria for transplant. Radiation therapy to target and kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy to control tumor growth and manage symptoms. Targeted therapy drugs designed to attack specific molecules involved in tumor growth. Palliative care to improve quality of life when curative treatment is not feasible.