A Journey Through Cholangiocarcinoma: Understanding My Father’s Battle with Bile Duct Cancer

When my father was diagnosed with Type II Cholangiocarcinoma, we were suddenly introduced to a world we never imagined — a world of bile ducts, stents, bilirubin levels, and endless hospital visits. But through this journey, we discovered not only the strength of modern medicine but also the power of hope and family.

This post aims to share both knowledge and experience — so that others facing the same condition can understand the disease clearly and find courage in the fight.

🩺 What Is Cholangiocarcinoma?

Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer that starts in the bile ducts, which are tiny tubes that carry bile — a fluid produced by the liver to help digest fats — to the intestine.

When these ducts become blocked or narrowed by a tumor, bile can’t drain properly. This leads to jaundice, itching, fatigue, and high bilirubin levels in the blood.

🧬 Types of Cholangiocarcinoma (Based on Location)

Doctors divide this cancer into three main types, depending on where it starts:

1. Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (Inside the liver):

Begins in the small bile ducts within the liver.

Often detected late and may resemble liver cancer.

2. Perihilar or Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma (At the bile duct junction):

Also called Klatskin Tumor.

Occurs where the right and left hepatic ducts join to form the common hepatic duct.

This is the type my father has — Type II, where the tumor blocks the junction but hasn’t spread into the right or left ducts fully.

3. Distal (Extrahepatic) Cholangiocarcinoma (Near the intestine):

Found in the bile duct closer to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

Often treated with surgery or stent placement.

⚠️ Common Symptoms

At first, symptoms seem mild — but they grow gradually:

Yellowing of eyes and skin (Jaundice)

Dark urine and pale stool

Persistent itching

Loss of appetite and weight

Pain in the upper right abdomen

Fatigue and general weakness

In our case, it started with jaundice and high bilirubin levels, which led doctors to investigate deeper — revealing the blockage in the hepatic duct junction.

🔬 Diagnosis: How It’s Found

Diagnosis usually involves:

LFT (Liver Function Test) – to check bilirubin, SGPT, and SGOT levels.

Ultrasound – to detect dilation or obstruction in bile ducts.

MRCP / CT Scan – for detailed imaging of the ducts and tumor location.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) – both a diagnostic and treatment method used to place stents and restore bile flow.

🧠 Understanding Type II Cholangiocarcinoma

In Type II, the tumor lies exactly at the meeting point of the right and left hepatic ducts.

Because this point is the central “gate” for bile flow, even a small tumor here can completely block drainage.

To manage this, doctors often place two self-expanding metal stents through ERCP — one from the right duct and one from the left duct — both connecting down to the duodenum.

This allows bile to drain naturally again and helps lower bilirubin levels rapidly.

⚙️ Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage and spread of the cancer:

1. Endoscopic or Percutaneous Stent Placement

Used to relieve blockage and drain bile.

Involves placing metal or plastic stents.

Greatly helps in improving symptoms like jaundice and itching.

2. Surgery (If Possible)

Some early cases can be surgically removed.

For Type II, surgery is complex but possible if the tumor hasn’t invaded major vessels.

3. Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Used when surgery isn’t possible.

Helps slow tumor growth and manage symptoms.

4. Palliative Care

Focuses on improving quality of life.

Includes nutrition, infection control, and liver support.

💪 Our Experience with Metal Stent Placement

In my father’s case, the doctors performed ERCP to insert metal stents from both hepatic ducts to the duodenum.

This dual drainage created a Y-shaped pathway that restored bile flow.

Within days, his bilirubin levels began to drop, his itching reduced, and his appetite returned slowly.

The doctors explained that these stents could stay for months or even years, depending on tumor growth and blockage. Regular checkups are important to monitor their function.

🌱 Living with Cholangiocarcinoma: Hope and Strength

Cholangiocarcinoma is a serious disease, but early diagnosis and proper drainage make a huge difference.

Family support, faith, and emotional stability are equally vital in the journey.

Each day with better liver function and less discomfort feels like a victory — and with modern treatments like laser resection, biliary stents, and targeted therapy, hope continues to grow.

💬 Final Words

If your loved one has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, don’t lose hope.

Ask your doctor about ERCP stenting, metal stents, and liver drainage options.

These treatments not only relieve symptoms but also help patients regain energy and appetite.

Cholangiocarcinoma is rare, but awareness can save lives — and sharing real experiences helps others find light in dark moments.

By: Manzar Alam

A son’s perspective and awareness post about his father’s battle with Type II Cholangiocarcinoma.