Bile is a fluid that aids in the digestion of fats in the foods we eat. It’s produced in the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and flows into the small intestine for digestion. The connection between the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine is a network of tubes called the bile duct network.
Small bile ducts within the liver join to form the right and left hepatic ducts that drain bile from the right and left lobes of the liver and then merge outside the liver to create the common hepatic duct. The cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the common hepatic duct. Bile produced by the liver travels through the hepatic ducts, common hepatic duct, and cystic duct before being stored in the gallbladder.
Bile Duct Cancer Treatments Available in Portland-Vancouver
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, the Compass Oncology team has put together the following information to help you better understand your diagnosis and treatments that may be a part of your bile duct cancer treatment plan. You can also request a consultation at our cancer centers in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, where one of our GI cancer specialists can answer questions specific to your situation.
Diagnosing Bile Duct Cancer
If your doctor suspects you have bile duct cancer, you may undergo several tests to confirm the diagnosis. If cancer is found, further testing will be needed to determine the extent of the cancer's growth. Learn more about common tests used to diagnose bile duct cancer.
Stages of Bile Duct Cancer
After a confirmed diagnosis of bile duct cancer, an oncologist will determine the extent of the cancer through a process called staging. The information gathered from staging helps GI cancer specialists determine where the tumor is located and whether it has spread. Knowing the stage also helps plan the best treatment for your specific diagnosis.
Treatment for Bile Duct Cancer
Our oncologists will work with you, taking into account factors such as the type and stage of bile duct cancer you have, as well as your overall health, to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Bile Duct Cancer Doctors Near You
Compass Oncology offers comprehensive cancer care at multiple locations in Portland, Tigard, Oregon, and Vancouver, WA locations. Our oncologists are experienced in bile duct cancer care and are here to help guide you through your cancer care journey. We evaluate your health and cancer diagnosis to recommend effective bile duct cancer treatment options. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for cancer, so your path may look very different from another patient's path.