In recent years, not a few people have died of bile duct cancer. So, what is bile duct cancer? A type of malignant tumor originated from epithelial cells Bile duct cancer is a malignant tumor originated from epithelial cells of bile duct mucosa, which can be classified into intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (ICC) and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma according to anatomical location of the lesion. ICC has a higher malignant degree, more insidious onset, and a poorer prognosis. Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma includes hepatoportal cholangiocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma of the middle and lower part of the common bile duct. Patients often present with jaundice. Hepatoportal bile duct cancer refers to biliary mucosal epithelial cancer located in the common hepatic duct above the opening of the cystic duct, the confluence of the left and right hepatic ducts, and the left and right hepatic ducts. Due to the special anatomical location and biological characteristics of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, it is very easy to invade blood vessels, nerves, lymph nodes and neighboring liver tissues in the hilar region at an early stage, so it is more difficult to perform surgery and the prognosis of the patients is poor. The most common symptom of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients is obstructive jaundice, and it is mostly painless jaundice. In the clinic, most patients consult the doctor with jaundice. Jaundice usually deepens progressively, accompanied by skin itching, tea-colored urine, and clay-like stools. However, before the appearance of jaundice, patients may have non-specific symptoms such as vague pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, greasiness, fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss, etc. With the appearance of jaundice, these symptoms become more obvious, and these symptoms are very similar to those of hepatitis. The risk of cholangiocarcinoma rises in people with bad living habits The main cause of cholangiocarcinoma in the liver is considered to be viral infection, cholangitis or bile duct stones, and some hereditary factors, etc., which lead to cancerous changes. Some gallstones are related to dietary habits, such as frequent consumption of high oil and high calorie foods, smoking and drinking, having three highs and metabolic syndromes, all of which are high risk groups for bile duct cancer. Clinically, it is found that most of the bile duct cancer patients are between 40-60 years old, with a female predominance.