A man died of a rare cancer after it was misdiagnosed as a muscle strain, and here’s what you should know about bile duct cancer.
Harmie Kenneth, 59, first developed abdominal pain in March 2022, which he believes was a ‘pulled abdominal muscle’. He was not particularly worried, but the pain did not go away. He also began to feel unusually tired. His family later learned that these ordinary symptoms were linked to cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer that develops in the bile ducts. Tasha and Serena Kenneth said that when their father’s symptoms didn’t improve after a month, his wife, Sharan, encouraged him to go to the doctor, where he ran blood tests and prescribed acid reflux tablets.
According to A a report in mirrorOver the five months between the initial symptoms and the official diagnosis, Tasha said her father’s condition “deteriorated very quickly.” He lost more than four stones, developed jaundice, his urine turned brown, he lost his appetite, and suffered from constant hiccups that prevented him from sleeping. He had become so weak that he was struggling to climb stairs without becoming short of breath.
Other tests later showed changes in liver function. A CT scan finally confirmed the presence of cholangiocarcinoma on August 5, about four to five months after she first saw the doctor. Al-Harami underwent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgeries before he died in October 2024 at the age of 62.
What is bile duct cancer?
Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer that develops in the bile ducts. They are small tubes that transport bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. Bile helps the body digest fats. Cancer can develop in different parts of the bile duct system. It may occur inside the liver, where it is called intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, or outside the liver, where it is known as extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Since the disease is uncommon and its early symptoms can resemble other conditions, diagnosis can sometimes be difficult.
One of the challenges of cholangiocarcinoma is that its early symptoms can be vague. Abdominal discomfort, fatigue, decreased appetite, or digestive problems can have many possible causes. This does not mean that every case of abdominal pain indicates cancer. However, symptoms that persist, worsen, or occur along with other warning signs should be discussed with your doctor.
Warning signs of bile duct cancer
Jaundice is an important symptom to watch out for. It causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow and can occur when a tumor blocks the normal flow of bile. Other possible warning signs include:
- Darker urine than usual
- Pale stools
- Itchy skin
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Anorexia
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
What causes bile duct cancer?
There is no single cause of bile duct cancer. It begins when cells in the bile ducts develop abnormal changes and begin to grow uncontrollably. There are several conditions that can increase the risk, including long-term inflammation or damage affecting the bile ducts. Certain diseases of the liver and bile duct can also increase the risk. However, some people develop cancer without any obvious risk factors.
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors may start with blood tests, especially when symptoms indicate a problem with the liver or bile ducts. Liver function tests can provide important signs, although they cannot confirm cholangiocarcinoma.
Imaging tests are often needed. This may include ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to examine the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Other specialized procedures may be used to closely examine the bile ducts or obtain a tissue sample.
Treatment of bile duct cancer
Treatment depends on where the cancer is, how big it is, whether it has spread, and the person’s general health.
If the tumor can be completely removed, surgery may offer the best chance of controlling the disease. However, surgery is not possible for every patient. Other treatments may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs, depending on the characteristics of the cancer.
Procedures may also be needed to relieve bile duct obstruction. A stent can help keep a narrow or blocked duct open and allow bile to drain normally.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
