Could It Be Bile Duct Cancer?

My beloved mother just passed away from pancreatic cancer less than three months ago. Now her older brother is having problems and it sounds like maybe it has something to do with the bile ducts. But he and his wife are the type of people who do NOT ask questions - basically because they don't want to know.

Some of my uncle's symptoms are:  major weight loss over the last year or two (possibly as much as 100 pounds), jaundice (stents were put in and it helped with the yellowing), fatigue, depression, loss of appetite. Now he is telling the family his doctor has discovered "something" in a tube and they are going to open him up and remove it and put the tube back together. Either he doesn't know (or is not saying), but this all seems very vague to me. Could it be that the doctor will go in and remove the "something" they see and check it for cancer cells? Will they be able to tell during the procedure if this has spread? They are telling him he will be in the hospital at least 2 weeks, which is a major red flag for me, because in today's world you don't get to stay in the hospital unless it is serious.

He does not seem to be in any pain. Is it possible to have this type of digestive tract cancer and not have pain? I know with my mother her pain did not come until the last few months of her life...are we looking at a similar situation? What are some of the questions they should be asking and tests they should be requesting?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

those symptoms sound like pancreatic cancer but bile duct cancer is also possible.  Pain is not always associated with pancreatic cancer, especially in early stages.  It depends on where the tumor is located.  I think one thing is clear...your uncle knows his diagnosis and isnt sharing.  If stents were placed then a diagnosis is most likely known.

I agree, this does sound alot like PC. And I know this b/c I just went thru that horrible disease with my mother. She passed away on 02/23/07 after less than 5 months past her dx. When my mother was first dx  my uncle decided to seek answers to his health problems. I know he was thinking he also had PC. So, by this time he had already lost about 100 pounds, poor appetite and fatigue. His drs were giving him blood boosters for anemia, etc. Then one day he goes to the drs and the dr noticed he looked yellow. So they put him right into the hospital and placed the stent(s). While they were "down there" they took a good look around. They told him they saw absolutely nothing to indicate a tumor or cancer of any kind. They looked his pancreas over really good b/c of my mother's dx and the possibility that my grandmother (their mother) may have also died of PC. (That was many years ago and no one asked questions - which infuriates me!) Anyway...now they have done more tests and he says there is something there in a tube. I'm thinking "what tube", "where", and "how large". Do people faced with the possibility of a cancer dx really go to their dr and not ask these questions? I'm very concerned b/c it is beginning to look like there may be a strong family history here. I'm thinking my aunt and uncle need a support system and they just are not letting anyone in. When my mother was first dx and I called to let our family and close friends know what was going on I remember they thought it was just horrible that I was making it public knowledge. My theory is, ignoring it will NOT make it go away. And when faced with a possible termial illness you must surround yourself with supportive people.

Sorry to ramble, but I noticed you are a nurse. Do you still think he might have something going on with his pancreas even though they did a complete examination when they placed the stent? Thank you so much for your advice. This web site has been a wonderful support system for me over the past 6 months.

Hello,

To me this sounds very much like a Klatzkin tumor; a cancer in the bile ducts, effecting the liver. I think this, because my husband was diagnozed with this disease, 1.5 months ago. He too has absolutely no pain. But the cancer is so severe that they couldnot remove it from his liver, although they tried surgery a week ago. Now his is home again, with a huge scar and no hope left. Prognosis are 4-12 months left.

Fortunately he/we are able to face what happened and what is coming and we talk about it. We saw all our family and friends before the operation took place and that was good. Cause everybody saw how strong he is and not afraid to die. However, he is only 61 and has always led a very healthy and sportive life.

On the other hand I know there are people who can only be strong by denying things. Otherwise fear gets the upperhand and then they are really suffering. There is no truth in this, you react as how you are.

I wish you strength, cause this is very difficult for the whole family.

Kind regards,

Iris (from the Netherlands).

Thank you Iris from the Netherlands:

I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my somewhat vague post. I am sorry for the pain you and your family are currently going thru. I wish you the best.

It is hard for me to understand my uncle having a health crisis and not wanting to know or not sharing with others in hopes of creating a support system. When my mom had pancreatic cancer I was like a sponge learning all there was to know about this silent killer and we welcomed any support we could get. I guess my role at this point it to be there if my aunt and uncle ever do decide they need me. I think once they open him up to do the procedure they will know alot more.

Thanks again,

K Ricker (In the US - Maine)

On 5/17/2007 Flower1 wrote:

Hello,

To me this sounds very much like a Klatzkin tumor; a cancer in the bile ducts, effecting the liver. I think this, because my husband was diagnozed with this disease, 1.5 months ago. He too has absolutely no pain. But the cancer is so severe that they couldnot remove it from his liver, although they tried surgery a week ago. Now his is home again, with a huge scar and no hope left. Prognosis are 4-12 months left.

Fortunately he/we are able to face what happened and what is coming and we talk about it. We saw all our family and friends before the operation took place and that was good. Cause everybody saw how strong he is and not afraid to die. However, he is only 61 and has always led a very healthy and sportive life.

On the other hand I know there are people who can only be strong by denying things. Otherwise fear gets the upperhand and then they are really suffering. There is no truth in this, you react as how you are.

I wish you strength, cause this is very difficult for the whole family.

Kind regards,

Iris (from the Netherlands).

 

my mother diagnosed with same more than 12 months ago and stiill fighting hard< dont give up  hope

Hi Chrissy,

Thanks for the hope you gave me. We just heard it's more a matter of weeks than months, we have left. On the other hand, he has allways been so healthy and strong. Your message gives me hope that we might have a little longer.

Wish you and your mum all the best and strength.

Iris.

On 6/1/2007 Chrissy m wrote:

you may laugh at the coincidence but my mother was born in Hilvarenbeek in the Netherlands, my father in Amsterdam.  Sometimes i think it is the natural Dutch stubborness that keeps her going>

Hi Chrissy,

 Hope your mother will keep that Dutch stubborness quite a while longer :)

My husband is doing very well at the moment. I mean, we know his days are counted, but he is feeling very good and we enjoy every day we have.

I wish you and your mum all the best. Will you keep me posted how she is doing?

Greetings, Iris.