Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Overview

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a form of extrahepatic bile duct cancer. In this condition, you have cancerous tumors on part of your bile duct, outside of your liver. These tumors are known as Klatskin tumors. Healthcare providers may be able to cure this condition if they detect and treat tumors before they spread. Surgery, including liver transplant, is the most common treatment. Providers have other treatments that ease symptoms. And researchers are doing several clinical trials to evaluate new treatments.

How rare is a Klatskin tumor?

This kind of tumor is very rare, affecting an estimated 1 in 100,000 people.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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Diagnosis & treatment

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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