What are bile duct carcinomas and gallbladder carcinomas?

Biliary tract carcinomas are malignant tumors of the bile ducts and gallbladder. They are among the rarer forms of cancer, with around 250–300 people diagnosed each year in Switzerland.
Gallbladder carcinomas usually develop as a result of chronic inflammation or gallstones. Bile duct carcinomas (cholangiocarcinomas) can occur inside or outside the liver.

Typical symptoms are often nonspecific and include:

• Jaundice: recognizable by yellowing of the skin and sclera (white of the eyes)
• Itching
• Dark urine and light-colored stools
• Pain in the upper right abdomen

If possible, the tumor is surgically removed—this offers the only chance of a complete cure. Unfortunately, many cases are already advanced at the time of diagnosis. In such cases, chemotherapy is administered. In recent years, targeted drugs have also been developed that are effective against certain genetic mutations.

The prognosis depends heavily on the stage of the disease. With early diagnosis, the prognosis is favorable; with advanced disease, the focus is on maintaining quality of life. Regular checkups and good symptom control are crucial.