The word cholangiocarcinoma refers to a malignant growth or tumor that grows in a duct that carries bile from your liver to your small intestine. Bile duct tumors don't typically spread quickly, but often will have already spread by the time they are discovered. Cholangiocarcinoma can affect both men and women, and most patients are over the age of 65.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma include clay colored stool, fever, itching, chills, pain in your upper right abdominal region, loss of appetite, weight loss and jaundice. Many times it will have begun to spread by the time you notice symptoms. Surgery to remove tumors is the common treatment. You may also have chemotherapy or radiation after surgery for more coverage. If the tumors are removed completely, 30 to 40 percent of patients will live for five years. If it is not possible to remove tumors, half of patients will live for about one year, with the other half living longer, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Foods to Eat
A specific diet to help cholangiocarcinoma does not exist, and a basic cancer fighting diet should be employed if you want to prevent cholangiocarcinoma. Choose foods that are fresh, natural, colorful and plant-based. Include healthy fats and daily water to keep hydrated.
Foods to Avoid
Your food avoidance list should stick to the usual culprits when it comes to cancer. Avoid foods that contain saturated fats, trans fats, refined flour and sugar, nitrates and alcohol. This includes most processed foods, convenience junk foods, fast foods and sweets.
Preparation
Try to eat a portion of your diet raw to get the highest number of antioxidants in your body. Cook your food by steaming or broiling most of the time. Wash and peel all produce well, and avoid cooking vegetables until they are soft. Use caution if you barbecue meat, as charred meat contains carcinogenic compounds, says HelpGuide.org.
Considerations
To help ensure you choose foods that are healthier, shop mainly in the perimeter of most grocery stores. Avoid foods that contain ingredients you do not recognize or cannot pronounce.
