What is Cholangiocarcinoma?

Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a form of cancer that originates in the bile ducts. Bile ducts drain bile from the liver into the small intestine.According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 2000-3000 people worldwide are diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma each year, and the average age of its victims is 71 years old.  

Typically there are no symptoms for Cholangiocarcinoma unless the tumor creates a blockage.  Because there are no systems, Cholangiocarcinoma is typically not found until it has left the bile ducts, and thus considered Stage IV cancer. There is no cure for Cholangiocarcinoma once it has left the bile duct.