Bile Duct Cancer Treatment in Baner, Pune | Dr. Harshal Rajekar
Bile duct cancer, medically known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare but serious condition that affects the bile ducts—thin tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. Early diagnosis and specialized surgical care play a critical role in improving outcomes.
Dr. Harshal Rajekar, a highly experienced Hepatobiliary, GI and Liver Transplant Surgeon in Baner, Pune, offers advanced, evidence-based treatment for bile duct cancer with a strong focus on precision surgery and patient-centered care.
What Is Bile Duct Cancer?
Bile duct cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the bile ducts. Depending on its location, it is classified into:
- Intrahepatic bile duct cancer – occurring within the liver
- Perihilar bile duct cancer – occurring at the junction where bile ducts exit the liver
- Distal bile duct cancer – occurring closer to the small intestine
Each type requires a different surgical and medical approach, best managed by a specialized hepatobiliary surgeon.
Common Symptoms of Bile Duct Cancer
Symptoms may be subtle in early stages and become more noticeable as the disease progresses. Common warning signs include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Persistent itching
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite and fatigue
If these symptoms persist, early evaluation by a specialist like Dr. Harshal Rajekar in Baner, Pune, is essential.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause is often unknown, certain conditions increase the risk of bile duct cancer:
- Chronic bile duct inflammation
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
- Bile duct stones
- Liver cirrhosis or chronic liver disease
- Congenital bile duct abnormalities
- Parasitic infections of the liver (rare)
Understanding risk factors helps in early surveillance and timely treatment.
How Is Bile Duct Cancer Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment planning. Diagnostic evaluation may include:
- Blood tests, including liver function tests
- Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
- MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)
- Endoscopic procedures for tissue sampling (biopsy)
Dr. Harshal Rajekar uses advanced diagnostic protocols to stage the cancer accurately and determine the best course of treatment.
Treatment Options for Bile Duct Cancer
Treatment depends on the location, stage of cancer, and overall health of the patient.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery offers the best chance for cure in early-stage bile duct cancer. As a specialist in hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgery, Dr. Harshal Rajekar performs complex procedures including:
Bile duct resection
- Liver resection for intrahepatic tumors
- Reconstruction of bile ducts
- Liver transplantation in selected advanced cases
Non-Surgical Treatments
When surgery is not immediately possible, other treatments may be recommended:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Palliative procedures to relieve bile duct obstruction
These treatments help control disease progression and improve quality of life.
Recovery and Follow-Up Care
Post-treatment recovery varies depending on the procedure performed. Regular follow-ups are essential to:
- Monitor liver function
- Detect recurrence early
- Manage nutritional and digestive health
- Ensure long-term well-being
Dr. Harshal Rajekar emphasizes comprehensive follow-up care and patient education for optimal recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bile duct cancer curable?
If detected early and treated surgically, bile duct cancer can be curable. Advanced cases can still be effectively managed with modern therapies.
Is surgery always required?
Not always. Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Some patients may benefit from non-surgical or combined treatments.
How serious is bile duct cancer?
It is a serious condition, but outcomes improve significantly with early diagnosis and specialized care.
Bile duct cancer requires timely diagnosis and expert surgical management. With advanced medical expertise and a commitment to patient-centric care, Dr. Harshal Rajekar, Hepatobiliary, GI and Liver Transplant Surgeon in Baner, Pune, provides comprehensive treatment tailored to each patient’s condition.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms related to bile duct obstruction or liver disease, early consultation can make a critical difference.
Read More:
Advances in HPB Surgery | Dr. Harshal Rajekar
Read More:
Advances in HPB Surgery | Dr. Harshal Rajekar
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