Stage 4 bile duct cancer is the most advanced stage of this disease. It indicates that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. This can occur to organs like the liver, lungs, or bones.
While a cure is not possible, treatment aims to:
Common treatment options may include:
It’s important to note that treatment plans vary based on individual circumstances, such as the extent of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.
Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that forms in bile ducts. Bile ducts are thin tubes that carry a digestive fluid called bile from your liver to other digestive organs.
In cholangiocarcinoma, a gene in the cells lining the bile duct changes abnormally, causing the cells to grow and divide without stopping. These cancer cells form tumors. Over time, some cells can break off and spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis.
The exact cause of bile duct cancer is unknown, but certain factors can increase your risk, including:
Age: Most cases occur in people over 50.
Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can increase risk.
Liver flukes: These parasites can infect the bile ducts and increase cancer risk.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis: A chronic liver disease that damages the bile ducts.
Bile duct cancer is categorized based on where it starts:
Symptoms often appear when the cancer is advanced and can include:
Upon receiving her diagnosis from her doctor, Ruby was referred to an oncologist, where a treatment plan was established immediately. Her treatment commenced with chemotherapy, leading to a positive response indicated by imaging that showed a reduction in tumor size, which made her a candidate for surgery.
ven in advanced stages, there may still be paths forward. At Hirschfeld Oncology, we design personalized treatment plans — from low-dose combinations to targeted therapies and clinical trials — giving patients renewed hope when standard care feels limited.
Dr. Azriel Hirschfeld is a servant to his profession--a close listener, smart as a whip, patient, kind, informed and above all a learner. Have been to a swarm of doctors on our journey and not one measures up to this doctor's professionalism and giftedness. He is a rare find.
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BEST ONCOLOGIST in the world 🙏🏻 I am forever thankful to have found him . Dr. Hirshfeld is very patient and listens . Unlike other places I am NOT just a number to him , he cares and it shows .
Sima Homapour
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Dr. Hirschfeld was incredibly knowledgeable and was so easy to talk to. He acted like I was his only patient today, spending so much time with me with no distractions. And his “bedside manner” is amazing.
Jaime Kaplan
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I am more than happy, this being my first time with the doctor. I felt more than good. I recommend that you go and treat yourself with the doctor. The place is clean and pleasant, she treats you with great respect and is very kind. I liked it a lot, and she helps with whatever problem I have. Thank you
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Leah and Francine are super professional, they know exactly what they are doing, they know each and every patient personally. They are the best support team you could ask for when you go through a rough time and being diagnosed.
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Tiffany Bargig
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Dr. Hirschfeld took on my problem and made it his problem. We started chemo therapy on second week and many other procedures like frequent shots to increase white blood cells, imuno therapy every other week, constant blood work to test for prognosis and many other procedures that make you feel that your are being taken care of by right people when one is at the most vulnerable position.
Grisha Abayev
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