June 13, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Cancer of the biliary tract involves uncontrolled cell growth within the gallbladder and/or bile duct, known as cholangiocarcinomas. As these tumors grow, they may block the flow of bile. Bile’s funct... moreCancer of the biliary tract involves uncontrolled cell growth within the gallbladder and/or bile duct, known as cholangiocarcinomas. As these tumors grow, they may block the flow of bile. Bile’s functions include dissolving dietary fat, eliminating cholesterol, and disposing of bilirubin. Patients begin to show symptoms of gallbladder and bile duct cancer when the tumor blocks the flow of bile. The signs and symptoms may include jaundice, itching skin, dark urine, diarrhea, white stool, and increased cholesterol in blood serum. Treatment Surgical treatment for bile duct cancer is a procedure called a cholecystectomy, in which the gallbladder is removed. less
June 13, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Cancer of the biliary tract involves uncontrolled cell growth within the gallbladder and/or bile duct, known as cholangiocarcinomas. As these tumors grow, they may block the flow of bile. Bile’s funct... moreCancer of the biliary tract involves uncontrolled cell growth within the gallbladder and/or bile duct, known as cholangiocarcinomas. As these tumors grow, they may block the flow of bile. Bile’s functions include dissolving dietary fat, eliminating cholesterol, and disposing of bilirubin. Patients begin to show symptoms of gallbladder and bile duct cancer when the tumor blocks the flow of bile. The signs and symptoms may include jaundice, itching skin, dark urine, diarrhea, white stool, and increased cholesterol in blood serum. Treatment Surgical treatment for bile duct cancer is a procedure called a cholecystectomy, in which the gallbladder is removed. less
June 13, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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PSC is a disease that damages and blocks bile ducts inside and outside the liver. In PSC, inflammation of the bile ducts leads to scar formation and narrowing of the ducts over time. As scarring incre... morePSC is a disease that damages and blocks bile ducts inside and outside the liver. In PSC, inflammation of the bile ducts leads to scar formation and narrowing of the ducts over time. As scarring increases, the ducts become blocked. As a result, bile builds up in the liver and damages liver cells. Eventually, scar tissue can spread throughout the liver, causing cirrhosis and liver failure. The causes of PSC are not known. The main symptoms of PSC are itching, fatigue, and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. An infection in the bile ducts can cause chills and fever. PSC progresses slowly, so a person can have the disease for years before symptoms develop. Doctors confirm the diagnosis using cholangiography. No treatment studies have been shown to cure or slow the progress of PSC. Treatment of PSC aims to relieve symptoms and manage complications. Liver transplantation may be an option if the liver begins to fail. less
June 13, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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A biliary stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the common bile duct, the tube that moves bile from the liver to the small intestine. It is often caused by surgical injury to the bile ducts. Other cau... moreA biliary stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the common bile duct, the tube that moves bile from the liver to the small intestine. It is often caused by surgical injury to the bile ducts. Other causes of this condition include cancer of the bile duct, damage and scarring due to a gallstone in the bile duct, pancreatitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, chills, fever, itching, jaundice, nausea and vomiting, pale or clay-colored stools. Some tests such as ERCP, PTC, MRCP, and blood test are needed to help the diagnosis. The goal of treatment is to correct the narrowing and help bile flow normally from the liver into the intestine. This may involve surgery or less invasive procedures (endoscopic or percutaneous dilation). less
June 13, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Cholangitis is an infection of the common bile duct, the tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps digest food. Cholangitis... moreCholangitis is an infection of the common bile duct, the tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines. Bile is a liquid made by the liver that helps digest food. Cholangitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, which can occur when the duct is blocked by something, such as a gallstone or tumor. The infection causing this condition may also spread to the liver. The main symptom is abdominal pain that is located on the upper right side or upper middle of the abdomen. Other symptoms that may occur include fever, jaundice, clay-colored stools, nausea, and vomiting. Antibiotics to cure infection are tried first for most patients. ERCP or other surgical procedure is done when needed. less
June 13, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Gallbladder stones, which are mainly made of excess cholesterol, are called cholelithiasis, while stones in the bile duct are choledocholitiasis. A person may have the stones for a long time before no... moreGallbladder stones, which are mainly made of excess cholesterol, are called cholelithiasis, while stones in the bile duct are choledocholitiasis. A person may have the stones for a long time before noticing any symptoms. When stones cause blockage, symptoms such as diarrhea, chills, fever, and jaundice usually occur. Pain in the upper right abdomen, a fast heart beat and sudden low blood pressure are other signs of bile duct problems; medical attention should be sought immediately as it may be an emergency situation. Chronic diarrhea, which is bouts of very loose stool at least four times a day for several months, that may include pain and nausea as well as chills, could be a sign of scarring and inflammation of the gallbladder. less
June 13, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes severe abdominal pain. In 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by gallstones in the gallbladder. Severe illness and, ... moreAcute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes severe abdominal pain. In 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by gallstones in the gallbladder. Severe illness and, rarely, tumors of the gallbladder may also cause cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis causes bile to become trapped in the gallbladder. The buildup of bile causes irritation and pressure in the gallbladder. This can lead to bacterial infection and perforation of the organ. The main symptom is abdominal pain that is located on the upper right side or upper middle of the abdomen. Other symptoms that may occur include fever, jaundice, clay-colored stools, nausea, and vomiting. Nonsurgical treatment includes pain medicines, antibiotics to fight infection, and a low-fat diet. Drainage and surgery may be necessary in very ill patients. less
June 13, 2011 - posted by Admin,
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Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Gallstones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The cause of gallstones varies. There are two main... moreGallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Gallstones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The cause of gallstones varies. There are two main types of gallstones which is stones that made out of cholesterol and stones made from too much bilirubin in the bile. Gallstones are more common in women and people over age 40. Many people with gallstones have never had any symptoms. The gallstones are often discovered when having a routine x-ray or other medical procedure. However, if a large stone blocks the bile duct (called choledocholithiasis), you may have a cramping pain in the middle to right upper abdomen. This is known as biliary colic. The pain goes away if the stone passes into the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Other symptoms that may occur include fever, jaundice, clay colored stools, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment options are surgery, medication, or electrohydraulic shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). less