Bile Duct Cancer
Bile duct cancer occurs in the tubes (bile ducts) that transport digestive fluid to and from the liver. Also known as cholangiocarcinoma, the cancer can be found in the part of the tube that is either inside or outside the liver. Bile is the digestive fluid produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and carried into bile ducts when the body needs fat. A very rare but particularly aggressive cancer, bile duct cancer typically affects adults 50 years of age or older. It can cause jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, white-colored stools, weight loss, and extremely itchy skin. Bile duct cancer is considered difficult to treat, but doctors may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Why UAB
Care is provided by an outstanding team that includes surgeons, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, medical and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, critical care intensivists, nurses, genetic counselors, and other specialists. Our standard of care begins with a timely and thorough initial assessment of each case, followed by same-day testing and/or intervention if necessary. Our collaborative team will then develop and implement a personalized care plan that best suits the needs and preferences of each individual patient. Our wide range of treatment options includes minimally invasive surgical, endoscopic, and radiologic techniques, as well as access to integrative medicine and supportive therapy.
We employ a unique approach to identifying and treating both pre-cancerous lesions of the pancreas and individuals who are at a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, in the hope of avoiding the development of cancers in the future. Patients found to have malignancies will be offered the opportunity to have their tumors tested through DNA sequencing, and, when possible, participate in appropriate research studies of promising new therapies.
We understand that a GI cancer diagnosis can produce a high level of stress for patients, so we provide a nurse navigator to help organize your care. A hallmark of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, our Nurse Navigator program helps streamline your introduction to UAB Medicine by arranging for your medical records, setting your appointments, and guiding you throughout the process. This allows your treatment team to deliver more efficient care.
RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for bile duct cancer. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
- Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic
The Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic takes an interdisciplinary approach to caring for patients with serious illnesses, whether they are in active treatment or have completed treatment. Our goal is to help patients fulfill their maximum physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social potential.
The health professionals at the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic help patients manage the side effects associated with cancer. Referrals to the Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic can be made by any treating physician or nurse or by patient self-referral. A broad range of insurance is accepted.
Patient appointment scheduling is flexible and based on patient needs and other concurrent treatments. Clinic sessions are held Wednesday and Friday mornings with palliative care physicians and fellows. A physician assistant is available Monday through Friday.
Our Team
Physicians and physician assistants have special expertise in complex symptom management including depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain syndromes, and others.
Nurses support patients by facilitating the clinic sessions as well as managing communication with patients. They are the front line of patient care.
Physical therapists develop individualized programs for each patient to help with coordination, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, or range of motion. Counselors are experienced in structuring counseling sessions to meet the specific needs of each person. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available.
Nutritionists have expertise in nutrition for patients with serious illnesses.
Massage therapists are trained in all types of massage, including oncology massage, which is a specialized approach that supports the body's health before, during, and after treatment for cancer.
Our clinic is an active teaching environment with fellows, residents, and students in both medicine and nursing participating in patient care.
Location
The UAB Supportive Care and Survivorship Clinic is located on the 3rd floor of The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital.
Patients can request an appointment online or by calling UAB Healthfinder at 205.934.9999 or 800.822.8816.