bile duct dilation

a mild  bile duct dilation is consider all right or is a serious condition, will the liver grown into cancer because of the dilation? what is the common measurement of the bile duct? thanks

[CalGal]

The size of the common bile duct varies a bit depending on where it's being measured, so you'd need to specify an area. An enlarged bile duct can be caused by a number of things including a history of stones in the bile duct that retard the flow of bile. A growth within the duct might also result in enlargement, but the growth would be seen if the bile duct is visualized with contrast.

I don't believe the usual thing to worry about is whether dilation will result in liver cancer. Instead, you might want to ask the question - what's causing the dilation. Some studies indicate that mild dilation may not be problematic at all. Some enlargement seems to be found in everyone as they age, so that may need to be taken into consideration.

[goodhealth2008]

thanks for your response, I am 59, a breast cancer survivor, I had Cholecystectomy: about 25 years ago, all these years no problems of any kind until 4 years ago I was complaining pain in my stomach, (my ma died of stomach ca), my GI dr. sent me for a MRI (mrcp) found out that I had mild dilation into my liver, he then sent me to a liver specialist, who wanted me to have an ERCP,but after did research myself,I did not go for the ERCP because it can cause infection big time. the matter was then put off until October, 2007 when I was due for colonoscopy,after the procedure my doctor said he want me to have another MRI (MRCP)to see if my previous condition have improved, again the report is the same like the previous,he insist me of seeing a liver specialist in MHSK..
Before going to Sloan Kettering, I want to get more info., my doctor said he sees mild dilation going into my liver, can you or any one tell me is this serious? and where does the dilation end up going from the liver?  Please ...I need help, thanks

[chris536]

I just signed up to research symptoms I have. Pain under right rib cage, gallbladder surgery 1980. CT scan shows dilation of common bile duct, this is making me crazy, wondering until more diagnostics what could be causing the dilation. Did you ever get confirmed dx.

[doctormiguel]

In 2000, Mom who was 63 while undergoing for an unrelated cancer issue, the doctors while scanning her stoamch area, detected (saw) a "questionable ductal dilationa within the liver in a medium size hospital.  Also they saw a large left renal cyst.  In 2008, Mom went through a series of tests and found that she had a large cancerous tumor called Malignant Neoplasm of Extra Hepatic Bile Ducts.  She had the misfourtune to continue seeing her hometown medical doctors.  In 2008, she underwent radiation for 25 weeks, and then she took her chances 50/50 to go for a big operation at UCSD Medical Centers, La Jolla, CA.  The doctors were able to cut 90% of the tumor and burned the rest.

Her Oncologist in Imperical County promised her chemotherapy and anti-cancer drugs in 08-2008.  He never did anything. By 12-2009, I brought her with me in Arizona.  Unfortunately it was too late.  Mom died on 01-22-2010 at age 73.

What do you people think?  I believe if the first medical doctors in 2000 had done something, Mom would have not gotten the cancerous tumor.

Thank you!