Cholangiocarcinoma: a nursing perspective

Primary cancer of the bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma [CC]) is a rare malignancy that presents many nursing challenges. This article focuses on disease presentation, treatment options, quality of life, and the nurse's unique role in caring for this patient population. Surgical resection is the only treatment modality that offers a potential cure and prolonged survival. In patients with unresectable disease, biliary bypass or nonoperative biliary drainage procedures can provide palliation. Other palliative treatment modalities include chemotherapy, radiation, and photodynamic therapy. The sudden onset, limited treatment options, and overall poor prognosis add to the challenge of caring for patients with CC.