Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile duct Cancer) is the abnormal growth of cells in the bile ducts. Bile duct is a tubular structure in the abdomen that connects the liver to the small intestine and carries bile (digestive juice) from the liver into the small intestine.
- Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma occurs in the parts of the bile ducts within the liver.
- Hilar/ Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma occurs in the bile ducts just outside of the liver above the gallbladder.
- Distal Cholangiocarcinoma occurs in the portion of the bile duct distal to the gallbladder, near the small intestine.
Types of Bile Duct Cancer based on where the cancer occurs in the bile ducts: