Cholangioma is a medical term referring to a benign or malignant tumor that arises from the bile ducts. The spelling of this word is based on the phonetic transcription in IPA, which is pronounced as /kɒˌlæn(d)ʒɪˈəʊmə/. The word is composed of two parts: "cholangio" which refers to the bile duct, and "oma" which means tumor. The correct pronunciation of cholangioma is essential for medical professionals to accurately communicate information to patients and colleagues.
Cholangioma, also known as bile duct adenoma, is a rare benign tumor that originates from the cells lining the bile ducts in the liver or biliary system. The bile ducts are responsible for carrying bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, to the small intestine. Cholangiomas usually occur in adults, with a higher prevalence in females.
Cholangiomas are characterized by the abnormal growth of cells within the bile ducts, forming a mass or tumor. These tumors can vary in size and may present as single or multiple growths. While most cholangiomas are noncancerous (benign) and do not spread to other parts of the body, in rare cases, they can become cancerous (malignant).
Symptoms of cholangioma may include abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itching, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, cholangiomas may be discovered incidentally during imaging tests performed for other reasons.
Diagnosis of cholangioma typically involves imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.
Treatment options for cholangioma depend on various factors, including the size, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor. Surgical removal of the tumor is the preferred treatment approach, which may involve partial hepatectomy (removal of a portion of the liver) or liver transplantation. In cases where the tumor is inoperable or cancerous, other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
The word "cholangioma" is derived from two Greek roots: "cholangio" and "oma".
- "Cholangio" comes from the Greek word "khole", which means "bile", and "angeion", which means "vessel" or "duct". Therefore, "cholangio" refers to the bile duct.
- "Oma" comes from the Greek suffix "-oma", which means "tumor" or "mass".
Combining these roots, "cholangioma" refers to a tumor or mass that originates from the bile duct.