Hepatobiliary Cancer
Hepatobiliary cancer originates in the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts and progresses through various stages. Initial symptoms may include jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss, and changes in appetite. In India, hepatobiliary cancer is becoming increasingly common, often affecting individuals with underlying liver conditions or chronic infections such as hepatitis B and C.
Symptoms:
Early signs may include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Unintended weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- General weakness and fatigue
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
Causes:
The exact cause remains unclear, but risk factors include:
- Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Diabetes and obesity
- Exposure to aflatoxins (toxins produced by mold)
- Genetic predisposition
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
- Liver flukes (parasite infections)
Treatment:
Treatment options include:
- Surgery: Removing cancerous tissue from the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts
- Liver transplantation: Replacing the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver in suitable candidates
- Ablation therapy: Destroying cancer cells using heat, cold, or other methods
- Chemotherapy: Medications to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors before or after surgery
- Radiation therapy: High-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cell mechanisms
- Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer
For expert care and personalized treatment of hepatobiliary cancer, trust Dr. Pallabika Mandal’s expertise in surgical oncology. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward recovery and wellness.