bile duct dilation

[goodhealth2008]

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