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MBBS
MMed
MRCS (IRE)
FRCSED
FAMS
Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare form of cancer that arises in the bile ducts. These ducts are slender tubes that connect the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine, playing a crucial role in digestion by transporting bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats.
This type of cancer is categorised based on its location within the bile duct system. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma occurs within the liver’s bile ducts, while extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is found in the bile ducts outside the liver.
Such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Including primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Certain liver fluke infections can occur from consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish.
A higher prevalence in individuals over 50.
Bile duct cancer often does not present symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult to detect promptly. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may begin to appear.
The diagnosis of bile duct cancer involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging tests, and other diagnostic procedures.
Imaging tests play a crucial role in diagnosing bile duct cancer, helping to visualise the bile ducts, liver, and surrounding tissues:
A biopsy, removing a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope, is the definitive way to diagnose bile duct cancer.
Consult our dual fellowship-trained surgeon for a personalised treatment plan today.
Treatment for bile duct cancer depends on the cancer’s location, stage, and the patient’s overall health.
Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment for bile duct cancer and is typically considered when the cancer is localised and operable:
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It may be used:
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, usually administered through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. It may be used:
For advanced bile duct cancer, the focus may shift to palliative care, aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
Recent advances in treatment include targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which may be options for some patients based on the cancer’s specific genetic markers.
MBBS (SG)
MMed (Surg)
MRCS (Ire)
FRCSEd (Gen)
FAMS (Surg)
Dr Thng Yongxian is a dual fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary & General Surgeon who has performed over 6000 surgical procedures.
He pursued his subspecialty training in Hepatopancreatobiliary surgery first in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. Following this, he completed a clinical fellowship in Minimally Invasive Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital in Bundang, South Korea.
Dr Thng set up and pioneered the Minimally invasive surgery program for his hospital in complex liver and pancreas cases. His surgeries were featured on live national television. His surgical videos have also been presented at international surgical conferences. He also pioneered the use of capsule colonoscopy for colorectal screening.
Dr Thng has served on various committees at hospital, cluster and ministry level. Dr Thng served as a member of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Laparoscopic cholecystectomy Clinician workgroup for value-driven care (VDC).
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820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-06, Singapore 228510
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
38 Irrawaddy Road, #08-43, Singapore 329563
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
319 Joo Chiat Place, #05-01, Singapore 427989
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday, Sunday & PH: Closed
6 Napier Road, #05-10, Singapore 258499
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
820 Thomson Road, #06-05 ,Singapore 574623
Monday-Friday: 9.00am-5.00pm
(Lunch: 1.00-2.00pm)
Saturday: 9.00am-1.00pm
Sunday & PH: Closed
Survival rates depend on several factors, including the cancer’s stage and location, the patient’s overall health, and the treatments received. Early-stage bile duct cancer has a better prognosis than advanced-stage cancer.
Bile duct cancer can block the bile ducts, causing bile to build up in the liver, leading to jaundice and other liver function problems. Over time, this can significantly impair liver function.
Liver transplantation may be considered for certain patients, particularly those with early-stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and those who cannot undergo traditional surgery due to the location or extent of the cancer.
Targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic markers or proteins in cancer cells, blocking their growth and spread, whereas chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately, affecting both cancerous and healthy cells.