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Liver cancer and bile duct cancer are distinct malignancies that develop in different parts of the digestive system. Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) originates in the liver, a large organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen. In addition to regulating chemical levels in the blood, the liver secretes a clear yellow fluid (bile) to aid digestion by breaking down fats. All blood that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver, where it is processed to create usable nutrients for the body.

Doctor talks to patient undergoing liver cancer treatment

Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) originates in the bile duct system, which includes the intrahepatic bile ducts, perihilar bile ducts and distal extrahepatic bile duct. The intrahepatic bile ducts are small bile duct branches inside the liver. The perihilar bile ducts are located in the hilar area where the right and left hepatic ducts leave the liver and join to form the common hepatic duct. The distal extrahepatic bile duct is located farther away from the liver near the small intestine.

Liver cancer treatment and bile duct cancer treatment can be similar. When planning treatment for either condition, a physician will consider several unique factors, such as the location, size and stage of the tumor as well as the patient’s age, overall health and preferences.

Liver cancer treatment

Common treatment options for liver cancer include:

  • Surgery - An early-stage liver tumor may be surgically removed. If the cancer has not spread and the liver is functioning well, a hepatectomy is typically the preferred approach. This procedure involves removing a portion of the liver and possibly the gallbladder and some nearby lymph nodes while preserving the bile ducts. If a heptectomy is not feasible, a liver transplant may be considered.
  • Ablation and embolization - A procedure such as radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may be performed to destroy cancerous cells in the liver or block the blood supply to the tumor.
  • Targeted therapy - To address advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, special medications may be prescribed to target specific molecules that promote tumor growth.
  • Chemotherapy - After being administered intravenously or orally, powerful cancer-fighting drugs can enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body to target and destroy widespread cancer cells.

Bile duct cancer treatment

Common treatment options for bile duct cancer include:

  • Surgery - An early-stage tumor may be surgically removed along with a portion of the affected bile duct and possibly the gallbladder and some nearby lymph nodes. In rare cases, a liver transplant may be considered.
  • Chemoradiotherapy - Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used in combination, either before surgery to help shrink a bile duct tumor and make it easier to remove or after surgery to help prevent a recurrence.
  • Targeted therapy - To address advanced-stage cholangiocarcinoma, special medications may be prescribed to target specific molecules that promote tumor growth.

While there is some overlap in the treatment options for liver cancer and bile duct cancer, there are small but significant differences in liver and bile duct tumors that must be taken into account. For instance, one of the most commonly prescribed chemotherapy drugs for liver cancer (floxuridine) is seldom used for treating treat bile duct cancer. Likewise, one of the most commonly prescribed chemotherapy drugs for treating bile duct cancer (gemcitabine) is seldom used for treating liver cancer. Ultimately, each patient needs a customized treatment plan to help ensure the best possible outcome and quality of life.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The multispecialty team in the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Moffitt provides comprehensive, individualized treatment for all types and stages of liver cancer and bile duct cancer. Our oncologists create an individualized treatment plan for each patient based on the specifics of their diagnosis, which is the core of our approach to practicing precision medicine. Additionally, each of our oncologists focuses on treating one type of cancer with a specific method, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, resulting in a high level of specialization that sets Moffitt apart from many other hospitals and cancer centers.

If you would like to talk with a specialist at Moffitt, you can request an appointment by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.