Bile Duct Cancer

First,   I know what it is like to have someone close to you with this disease.  A person dear to me has this disease too.  My question to you is  how did both  teams determine the cancer had spread.   Was  there a biopsy completed on other organs?  or  from Imagery such as CT, Pet Scan , or MRI?  Did she have any treatment done yet? 

Thank you for understanding and giving me great advice.  My friend did have a biopsy of the liver but the involvement of other organs was through MRIs and CAT scans.  No treatment.  I will check out that other site.  Once again thanks.

Thank you for understanding and giving me great advice.  You are a great relative to have on your side during such a difficult time.  My friend did have a biopsy of the liver but the involvement of other organs was through MRIs and CAT scans.  No treatment.  I will check out that other site.  Once again thanks.

Hi CurrieWalla 

thank you for sharing the link to that message board-i just checked it out it is packed with good information and chat boards                  Tom

My relative also has this cancer and sometimes these MRIs and CT scans can show nodules or masses that could not be metastisis.  The best scan as I understand  to determine metastisis is a Pet Scan or actual Biopsy of the cysts or mass.  My relative had something on her lung and her heart which they initially thought was a met but actually  was benign. No biopsy was needed because when they  did a Pet Scan the only area that lit up was the Bile Duct Area.  These tests are very expensive so sometimes you have to push insurance companies to do them.  She was also seen by a cardiolgist and pulmonologist who looked at the MRI and CT scan that had cysts or potential masses that determined were benign.  I would definitely take the scans to a second opinion or even 3rd opinion. There are treatments for bile duct cancer SBRT Sterotactic Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy involving Cysplatin and Gemcitabine.  Time is of the essence with this disease so please tell your friend to seek a second opinion and get copies of all bloodwork, scans etc and seek the best doctor possible. Do the Pet CT scan too?  It does detect cancer throughout the body.  Not at a 100% but I think it's better in determing metastis in the other parts of body.  It's best to find the doctor that is experienced with this cancer as it is very very rare.  Hope this helps

OMG!  I will pass this info onto the family immediately.  THANK YOU!

Your Welcome.   From what my relative is experiencing she has been told  the only real permanent cure for bile duct cancer is surgery/ resection of the liver to remove the tumor or liver transplant.   As we were told the SBRT/ Radiation therapy following  chemotherapy are ways to contain the disease, reduce tumor size in bile duct and prolong life but aren't a permanent cures.    Hope this clairfies.  I wish your friend the best.  It is so devasting to see our loved ones go through this so I know what your going through.  I'm happy to help.

:)

Hello Bats1026

Yes this is that mean person that tells you the truth.

I'm assuming the cute :) face means you are happy with all this latest infromation.

The Infromation you received is very good and very specific.

BUT....be very carefull how you use it.

You may cause more harm than you think. Giving false hopes is very serious. Yes it's always good to stay positive. Staying positive is good medicine when it comes from the right source.

I am sure you have very good intentions...But be very careful what you suggest. Without knowing it, you may cause more harm...I have been there, you haven't.

You can take my advice or turn your back on it...it's all up to you.

Leonard from Alamo California 

You're welcome Bats1026 and Tom.

At the link, below, someone has posted an overview of bile duct cancer. A friendly caution:  the webpage discloses some grim statistics and frank facts.  

http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=762