Bile Duct Tumor Treatment Options

Surgical Treatment. The primary treatment for bile duct tumors, or cholangiocarcinoma, is complete surgical removal of all cancerous tissue, including the microscopic tissue. The exact surgical technique performed on the tumor is based on its size and location. Options include: a Whipple procedure for removal of tumors in the distal end of the bile duct, or removal with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction for mid-bile duct and upper bile duct tumors (Klatskin's tumors). Medical research strongly suggests that these complex procedures are best performed by surgeons with special expertise in such areas, such as the surgeons at The Lacks Cancer Center. Here, success rates for these surgeries are significantly higher than the National average.

Non-Surgical Treatment. For patients who cannot undergo surgery, and who are jaundiced due to bile duct blockage, ERCP or PTC procedures may be performed in order to bypass the blockage. In addition, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, such as brachytherapy or the innovative new TomoTherapy Hi -Art System® may be helpful in shrinking the tumors.

Seek the most aggressive treatments available from our Multidisciplinary GI Clinic with a referral from your primary care physician or with a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-685-LACK(S).