Best Doctors in India for Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment
- Gastroenterologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 15 years’ experience
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Pawan Rawal is a highly skilled Gastroenterologist with over 12 years of experience in clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. He is currently associated with Artemis Hospital, Gurugram as the Head of Gastroenterology Department, Unit I.
- Dr. Rawal is proficient in handling various luminal, hepatic, pancreatic, biliary, and systemic diseases. His extensive training includes both noninvasive and invasive procedures. He performs a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures, such as adult and pediatric upper GI endoscopies, colonoscopies, ERCPs, capsule endoscopies, and pushes and double balloon enteroscopies.
- Top Medical Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 30+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Yogesh Batra is one of the best medical gastroenterologists in New Delhi, India. He has been a practicing gastroenterologist for more than three decades. Currently, Dr. Batra is serving as a Senior Consultant in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
- His expertise spans various aspects of gastroenterology, including liver diseases, endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic disorders, and gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Additionally, Dr. Batra is skilled in performing a wide range of GI procedures such as upper and lower GI endoscopies, diagnostic and therapeutic ERCPs (both biliary and pancreatic), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and EUS-guided procedures like FNA and biliary drainage. He is also experienced in upper and lower GI manometry and motility studies.
- Top Pediatric Gastroenterologist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 26+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Anupam Sibal is a renowned Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist in India with a distinguished career spanning 25+ years. He is currently a Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, where he has made significant contributions to the field.
- In 1997, Dr. Sibal played a pivotal role in establishing the pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology division at Apollo Hospital, the first of its kind in India’s private sector. The following year, he helped launch the country’s first successful pediatric liver transplant program at Apollo Hospitals. This program has become the busiest solid organ transplant program globally since 2012.
- Dr. Sibal’s leadership extended to a broader role as the Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals at the age of 37 in 2005, overseeing 12 hospitals with 3,400 beds and a revenue of USD 139 million.
- Gastroenterologist, Gurugram, India
- 42 years’ experience
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. (Prof) Gourdas Choudhuri is the distinguished Chairman of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Sciences at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
- With a remarkable career spanning over 42 years, Dr. Choudhuri is a leading figure in gastroenterology, renowned for his contributions as a medical educator, researcher, and philanthropist.
- His academic excellence include, prestigious degrees like MD, DM, FACG, FICP, FAMS, FRCPI.
- Top Medical Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 35+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sanjay Sikka is a general physician who specializes in medical gastroenterology. He is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 32 years of experience in liver disease, therapeutic endoscopy, and gastrointestinal consultations.
- Dr. Sikka is practicing as a senior consultant in the Gastroenterology department at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
- Being Professor at the GSUM Medical College in Kanpur, Dr. Sanjay Sikka was also involved in scholarly activity. He has several papers that appeared in numerous national and international periodicals.
- Top Gastroenterologist | Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
- 33+ Years Experience
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- With over 33 years of distinguished experience in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Dr. Vivek Raj stands as a leading expert in his field.
- Currently serving as the Principal Director and Head of Department at Max Healthcare, he has dedicated the last 20 years to advancing clinical practices in Gastroenterology.
- Dr. Raj’s specialty interests encompass a range of advanced gastroenterological procedures and conditions, including Therapeutic ERCP, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Hepatology (with a focus on Hepatitis B and C), Gastrointestinal Motility, Capsule Endoscopy, Endoscopic Surgery, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
- Top Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist | Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, India
- 24+ Years Experience
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Abhishek Deo is one of the finest Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists in India with an outstanding experience of over 24 years.
- His clinical proficiency lies in the field of Gastroenterology, Liver Disease, Diagnostic Therapeutic Endoscopy, and Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy procedures.
- After completing the initial 14 years of working hand-in-hand with the top gastroenterologists in UK, he returned back to India in 2010 and started his practice in Gastroenterology and General Medicines.
- Top Medical Gastroenterologist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 45+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. D K Bhargava is a Medical Gastroenterologist working at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.
- He has 45 years of experience in his field.
- Dr. Bhargava was a Professor of Gastroenterology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi formerly.
- Some of the services he provides are Colonoscopy, Gastroenteritis Treatment, Acidity Treatment, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment.
- Exceptionally qualified Dr. D K Bhargava has received the Padma Shri Award and Dr. B C Roy National Award from the President of India.
- He has published more than 150 articles, papers, and journals throughout his career.
- He is a member of the American Gastroenterological Association, Indian Society of Gastroenterology and American College of Gastroenterology.
- GI Surgeon, Gurugram, India
- Over 33 years’ experience
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Arvind Kumar Khurana is a well-known name in the field of gastroenterology and has a keen interest in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endoscopy, Onco-Gastroenterology, and Endoscopic Ultrasound.
- Dr. Khurana has successfully performed over 1,50,000 Endoscopic procedures, including over 20000 cases of EPT/CBD stones removal & Biliary Stenting, 2000 metallic stenting, 950 cases of foreign body removal, and 2000 PEG cases.
- Gastroenterologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 17 years’ experience
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. M A Mir is a well-known Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist with a vast experience of more than 17 years in the field of Gastroenterology.
- Before joining Artemis Hospital he was associated with Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, New Delhi as a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist.
- He is experienced in all gastrointestinal procedures such as diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower GI endoscopies.
Best Hospitals in India for Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of India’s best and largest multi-specialty hospitals, Medanta was built with the aim to bring India to the highest standards of medical care. The hospital has been providing the best medical services to its patients, since its inception, with care, commitment, and compassion.
- Equipped with 1250 beds, the hospital was founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan in the year 2009 with an aim to provide the best medical care at affordable costs. The hospital is spread across 43 acres and includes 45 operation theatres and 350 beds dedicated solely to ICU. The hospital includes over 800 doctors, and more than 22 specialty departments and has a dedicated floor for individual specialty in order to offer the best services under one roof.
- The hospital is considered one of the premier institutes in India for Cardiac Care and includes staffs and members of high caliber. The hospital has 6 distinct centers of excellence.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Artemis Hospital, established in 2007 in Gurugram, India, is a leading multi-specialty institution known for its excellence in patient care and advanced medical technology, offering comprehensive services across specialties like Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Orthopedics etc.
- Renowned for its patient-focused care, Artemis Hospital combines state-of-the-art infrastructure with a team of internationally trained doctors and surgeons, ensuring the highest standards of medical treatment.
- Accredited by JCI and NABH, Artemis Hospital meets global healthcare quality and safety standards, reflecting its commitment to providing compassionate, personalized care.
- The hospital is recognized for utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic and ther*peutic techniques, ensuring patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatments tailored to their needs.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai is the most sought-after private cancer hospital in India. It is an integrated facility that provides cutting-edge, all inclusive cancer treatment to patients all over the globe.
- The hospital is a part of the renowned Apollo Group which has a large network of over 74 hospitals in India and across the globe. Out of the 74 hospitals, 21 of them are cancer centres. However, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is the only cancer hospital to have JCI accreditation.
- The Centre, which was established on the principles of excellence and expertise, unites a formidable medical staff led by some of the most illustrious figures in cancer treatment.
- The hospital follows the global ASTRO Model Policy. It is the same global policy which is followed by countries like USA, UK, and Europe.
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is among the very few hospitals in India to receive patients from First World countries such as USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, etc.
- Apart from that, it is also the first hospital in Chennai to receive patients from several countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan), South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, etc.
- In fact, there is a dedicated team at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre that serves only international patients. Thus, on a monthly basis, the Centre receives patients from across 32 countries.
- Moreover, there are certain treatments in Apollo Proton Cancer Centre that are not available in any other centre. APCC addresses all types of possible cancers that are usually not covered by any other centre.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Over the last 33 years, the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute has set new standards in cardiac treatment with groundbreaking research. It is now known around the world as a centre of expertise for Cardiac Bypass Surgery, Interventional Cardiology, Non-invasive Cardiology, Paediatric Cardiology, and Paediatric Cardiac Surgery.
- The hospital has cutting-edge laboratories that perform a wide range of diagnostic tests in Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Biochemistry, Haematology, Transfusion Medicine, and Microbiology.
- Fortis Escorts Heart Institute boasts a diverse group of bright and experienced doctors who are backed up by a team of highly qualified, experienced, and devoted support professionals as well as cutting-edge equipment such as the recently installed Dual CT Scan.
- Approximately 200 cardiac doctors and 1600 personnel currently collaborate to manage over 14,500 admissions and 7,200 emergency situations each year. The hospital now has a 310-bed infrastructure, as well as five cath labs and a slew of other world-class amenities.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) is a premier multi-super-specialty, quaternary care hospital, known for its exceptional international faculty, top-tier clinicians, super-sub-specialists, and specialized nurses, all supported by cutting-edge technology.
- It is the flaship hospital of Fortis Healthcare Limited, part of IHH Healthcare Berhad, a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. As one of the country’s largest healthcare organizations, Fortis operates 28 healthcare facilities with over 4,500 operational beds (including O&M facilities) and more than 400 diagnostic centers (including joint ventures).
- Recognized as one of the top hospitals in India, FMRI serves as a leading referral center and aspires to be the ‘Mecca of Healthcare’ for India and beyond. Its 11-acre campus is a testament to its commitment to providing world-class healthcare.
- Accredited by JCI and NABH, FMRI is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare quality and safety, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care. The hospital’s reputation is further enhanced by its state-of-the-art facilities and innovative medical practices.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- The Indian Spinal Injuries Center (ISIC), provides state-of-the-art facilities for the management of all types of spinal ailments.
- Staffed with internationally trained, acclaimed, and dedicated spine surgeons, the hospital provides cutting-edge medical & surgical technology. The hospital provides comprehensive management of spinal injury, back pain, spinal deformities, tumors, osteoporosis, etc.
- The hospital performs motion-preserving spine surgeries including disc replacement and dynamic fixation, and minimally invasive spine surgeries such as endoscopic disc excision.
- The orthopedic service of the hospital covers all orthopedic ailments including trauma, joint diseases & replacements, oncology, pediatric orthopedics & upper limb ailment.
- City: Faridabad
Hospital Highlights:
In the sprawling city of Faridabad, where healthcare needs are diverse and ever-evolving, one institution has consistently stood out as a beacon of excellence in the field of medicine—Marengo Asia Hospital. Established with a vision to provide world-class healthcare services to the community it serves, Marengo Asia Hospital has emerged as a trusted name synonymous with quality, compassion, and innovation in healthcare.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is a 700-bedded multispecialty hospital in the heart of the capital of India. It is a part of Apollo Hospital group, one of India’s most reputed healthcare chains. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has been accredited by Joint Commission International, making it the first internationally accredited hospital in the country in 2005.
- There are 52 specialties in the hospital with one of the best cardiology centers in the country. The hospital is also equipped with State of the art infrastructure facilities with the largest Sleep Lab in Asia and the largest number of ICU bed facilities in India.
- The latest and highly advanced technologies that are installed in the hospital include Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System, PET-MR, PET-CT, Cobalt-based HDR, Brain Lab Navigation System, Tilting MRI, Portable CT scanner, 3 Tesla MRI, 128 Slice CT scanner, DSA Lab, Endosonography, Hyperbaric Chamber and Fibro scan.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of the well-regarded providers in India committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient care, Max Super Specialty Hospital is a part of Max Healthcare, which is the second-largest healthcare chain in India. Regarded as one of the most well-regarded healthcare providers in the country, Max Super Specialty Hospital is committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence as well as patient care. The hospital is also equipped with the latest technology as well as cutting-edge research. The hospital is known to deliver and ensure the highest level of patient care.
- The hospital has more than 500 beds and offers treatment for over 35 specialties. The hospital also holds the credit of having installed the first Brain Suite in Asia. This is a highly advanced Neurosurgical machine that allows MRI to be taken while surgery is ongoing.
- Other advanced and latest technologies are also installed in the hospital such as the 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, 64 Slice CT Angiography, 4D ECHO, LINAC, and 3.5T MRI machine.
- City: Kolkata, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Founded in 2017, the HCG EKO Cancer Centre is a committed, all-inclusive cancer care facility in Kolkata.
- The hospital was collaboratively established by India’s leading cancer care provider HCG (HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd.), and EKO Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd., a top diagnostic and imaging chain in Eastern India.
- With 88 beds, the hospital provides a full spectrum of services including diagnosis, prevention, screening, second opinions, treatment, rehabilitation, follow-up, and palliative care.
- Additionally, the hospital contains a day-care chemotherapy ward, Neutropenic ward, medical ICU, pharmacy, blood bank, and an IPD wing.
- At HCG EKO Cancer Centre Kolkata, a large team of cancer experts with experience in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, hemato oncology, BMT, and nuclear medicine collaborate to offer a variety of treatment options under one roof.
- Furthermore, the hospital is also known for employing the most advanced radiation technology such as, the Radixact, a next-generation TomoTherapy equipment that provides greater radiation delivery precision.
Cholangiocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma, which is also known as bile duct cancer, is a cancer that forms in the slender tubes or bile ducts that carry the fluid bile, which helps the body digest fat. Bile ducts connect the liver to the gallbladder as well as to the small intestine. This condition, which is generally uncommon, occurs mostly in people who are over the age of 50. However, it can even appear in younger people.
Unfortunately, cholangiocarcinoma is one of the types of tumor that is difficult to treat.
Types
Cholangiocarcinoma is of three main types:
- Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma- This type occurs in the parts of the bile ducts that are within the liver and may also be classified as a type of liver cancer.
- Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma- This occurs in the bile ducts just outside of one’s liver. This type is also known as perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.
- Distal Cholangiocarcinoma- This type can occur in the portion of the bile duct which is nearest to the small intestine.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of this condition can include the following:
- Yellowing of your skin as well as the white portion of your eyes, i.e. jaundice
- White-colored stool
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Intensely itchy skin
- Unintended weight loss
See your doctor if you continue to have persistent fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, or any such signs and symptoms that you are finding bothersome. He/she may refer you to a specialist in digestive diseases i.e. a gastroenterologist.
Causes & risk factors
Cholangiocarcinoma generally occurs when the cells in the bile ducts develop changes in their DNA. Your DNA is the material that provides instructions for every chemical process in the body. DNA mutations can change the instruction. One result is that cells might begin to grow out of control, and eventually form a tumor i.e. a mass of cancerous cells.
It is not yet clear what exactly leads to the genetic mutations leading to cancer.
Some of the factors that can increase the risk of cholangiocarcinoma include:
- Chronic liver disease- Scarring of the liver which can be caused by a history of the chronic liver disease also increases the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis- This disease can cause hardening and scarring of the bile ducts.
- Bile duct problems present at birth- People who are born with a choledochal cyst, which can lead to dilated and irregular bile ducts, have an increased risk of having cholangiocarcinoma.
- A liver parasite- In certain areas of Southeast Asia, cholangiocarcinoma is associated with liver fluke infection. This can occur if one eats raw or undercooked fish.
- Smoking- Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Older age- Cholangiocarcinoma generally occurs among adults who are over the age of 50.
Cholangiocarcinoma is not inherited but according to studies blood relatives of a person with cholangiocarcinoma might have an increased risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. However, most of the people suffering from this condition do not have any family history of the disease.
Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects these conditions, he/she will likely need you to undergo one or more of the following tests:
Liver function tests
Blood tests for measuring your liver function can give your doctor certain clues about what exactly is causing your signs and symptoms.
Tumor marker test
Checking the level of cancer antigen in your blood may also provide your doctor with certain clues about your diagnosis.
A high level of antigen in your blood doesn’t necessarily mean you have bile duct cancer. This result can also indicate other bile duct diseases, such as bile duct obstruction or inflammation.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
During this method, a thin tube which is equipped with a small camera is passed down the throat and through your digestive tract to your small intestine. The camera helps to examine the area where the bile ducts connect to the small intestine. Your doctor can also use this procedure to inject dye into the bile ducts as it can help them show up better on imaging tests.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests let your doctor examine your internal organs to check for abnormalities that may indicate cholangiocarcinoma. Techniques include computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). MRCP is nowadays used more as a noninvasive alternative to ERCP. It can offer 3-D images without the need for a dye for enhancing them.
Biopsy
Biopsy is a procedure which involves removing a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.
If any suspicious area is located near where your bile duct joins the small intestine, your doctor might obtain a biopsy sample during ERCP. If the suspicious area is located within or near the liver, your doctor will need to obtain the tissue sample by inserting a long needle through your skin to the affected area. This is also known as fine-needle aspiration. He/she might use an imaging test as well, such as endoscopic ultrasound or CT scan, as it can help guide the needle to the area precisely.
How your doctor chooses to perform the biopsy will very likely influence which treatment options are going to be available to you later. For example, if your doctor uses y fine-needle aspiration for performing the biopsy, you will not be legible for liver transplantation.
Treating cholangiocarcinoma is difficult and therefore you should not hesitate to ask about your doctor’s experience with diagnosing this condition. If you have any doubts, you can get a second opinion.
Once your doctor confirms a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, he/she is going to try to determine the extent or the stage of the cancer. This generally involves additional imaging tests. Knowing the stage of the cancer is also going to help in choosing the treatment option.
Treatments
Treatments for cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct cancer can include any of the following:
Surgery
Using this method, doctors try to remove as much of the cancer as it is possible for them. For very small bile duct cancers, doctors will need to remove part of the bile duct and join the cut ends. For advanced bile duct cancers, nearby liver tissue, pancreas tissue or lymph nodes might require removal as well.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may sometimes also be used before a liver transplant. Sometimes it is also an option for people with advanced cholangiocarcinoma as it can help in slowing the disease and relieving any signs and symptoms.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy makes the use of high-energy sources, like photons and protons, to damage and destroy the cancer cells. Radiation therapy generally involves a machine that directs radiation beams at your body. This is known as external beam radiation. Or it can also involve placing radioactive material inside the body near the site of your cancer. This is known as brachytherapy.
Liver transplant
Surgery that involves removing a liver and replacing it with one from a donor is known as a liver transplant. This is an option in certain cases for people with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. For many, a liver transplant is generally a cure for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, there is a risk that the cancer might recur after the transplant.
Photodynamic therapy
In this method, a light-sensitive chemical is injected into a vein and it accumulates in the fast-growing cancer cells. Laser light which is directed at the cancer causes a chemical reaction in the cancer cells and thus causes them to die. Typically, multiple treatments are required. Photodynamic therapy can help in relieving your symptoms, and it may also slow the growth of cancer. After the treatments, you will need to avoid exposure to the sun.
Cholangiocarcinoma is a difficult type of tumor to treat, and therefore you must not hesitate to ask about your doctor’s experience in treating the condition. If you have any doubts, you should get a second opinion.
Prevention
There’s no way in which you can entirely prevent cholangiocarcinoma.
However, taking certain steps can reduce the risk of the disease.
Stop smoking- Smoking is linked to an increased risk of this condition. If you smoke, it is best to stop. If you’ve tried to quit in the past and haven’t been successful, you can discuss this with your doctor.
Reduce your risk of liver disease- Chronic liver disease is also associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Some causes of liver disease are not preventable. But you should take proper care of your liver.
For example, to reduce your risk of liver inflammation, avoid alcohol or drink in moderation. It is best to maintain a healthy weight. When working with chemicals, it is also important to follow the safety instructions on the container.