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Bile Duct Cancer & Light Treatment

Bile Duct cancer is typified by unrestrained growth of cells lining the bile ducts. Nearly 16,600 are diagnosed with bile duct cancer annually in the U.S., according to the United States Cancer Supportive Care Programs. Similar to other cancer forms, there is no complete cure for bile duct cancer yet, treatments like light therapy are often used in order to control the symptoms associated with bile duct cancer and also to restrict the further spreading of the cancer cells.

  1. Light Therapy

    • Light therapy also known as photodynamic therapy, includes injecting anti-cancer drugs such as Foscan and Photofrin through your bloodstream. Over about two to three days the cancer cells are exposed to high-energy light radiations in order to destroy them.

    Duration

    • Two to three sessions of light therapy are sufficient to destroy the cancer cells, according to the Cancer Research UK. Light therapy sessions are generally held twice a week, with each session lasting for about 45 to 60 minutes.

    Benefits

    • Light therapy is especially advantageous to elderly patients affected with bile duct cancer and also to patients suffering from heart disorders because they are unable to undergo surgical removal of the cancer cells from the bile duct.

    Effects and Complications

    • One of the major complication of light therapy when used against bile duct cancer is leaking of bile juice. Other common effects include skin irritation, rashes and pain in the abdominal region among others.

    Warnings and Precautions

    • Your doctor may advise you to limit exposure to sun radiation and environmental pollutants while undergoing light therapy sessions.

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