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Symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Cholangiocarcinoma more often develops in the elderly at the age of about 60 years, somewhat more often in men.
Usually the first manifestation of cholangiocarcinoma is jaundice, followed by itching - this distinguishes a tumor from primary biliary cirrhosis. If only one major hepatic duct is affected, jaundice can develop at later stages. The serum bilirubin level always rises, but in almost 50% of patients jaundice periodically disappears.
Pains are usually mild, localized in the epigastric region and are noted in about a third of cases. There is steatorrhea. Significantly expressed weakness and weight loss.
Cholangiocarcinoma can be combined with chronic ulcerative colitis, often develops against a background of prolonged cholestasis, caused by sclerosing cholangitis.
Inspection data. Jaundice intense. The fever usually develops in the terminal stage. Cholangitis, if surgery was not performed, endoscopic or percutaneous intervention on the biliary tract, is rare.
The liver is large, the edge of it is smooth, protruding from under the edge arch by 5-12 cm. The spleen is not palpable. Ascites are rare.
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