Liver Fluke Infections Cholangiocarcinoma: An Overlooked Risk in Asia

The rivers of Asia hide a danger under their surface, waiting for their new host. Liver flukes are parasites found in contaminated freshwater fish. Often harmless, it can later become a source of danger. When these flukes enter our bile ducts, they damage the tissues and cause chronic inflammation. This may give rise to a rare but risky cancer called cholangiocarcinoma. Often overlooked, this infectious cancer is widely seen in the areas of Southeast Asia.

Roots of liver fluke in Asia

Liver fluke doesn’t have its roots spread evenly. It’s found in the regions where the traditional diet is consumed.

• Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are majorly affected countries because of the high consumption of freshwater fish.
• Northeastern Thailand: The Isan region of Thailand has given rise to most cases of cholangiocarcinoma.
• India: Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have shown an increase in cases due to freshwater fish consumption.

What was once just a local food tradition has now turned into a major food concern.

Preventive measures

Preventing the disease is always the best practice. The following are a few steps of prevention:

• Proper cooking: Cooking food at a high flame kills harmful bacteria, making it safe for consumption.
• Safe hygiene: Separating utensils for cooking different foods can prevent cross-contamination.
• Drink fresh water: Drinking fresh water can reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
• Routine health check-up: Regular checkups can help in the early detection of cancer.

Treatment options to fight the risk of cancer

A patient diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma can be cured with proper care. The patient’s current medical state must be considered before starting any form of treatment. Antiparasitic drugs like praziquantel can kill the infection before it multiplies. Molecular targeted therapy also prevents infection from spreading and increases the survival rates. In case a tumor is found, then surgery remains the only option to remove cancerous tissues. Additionally, a liver transplant can rebuild the hope of a patient if cancer infects the entire liver.

A collective step towards better prevention

Liver cancer is more than just medications; it begins in our kitchen and by spreading awareness. Public awareness programs can teach people safe cooking practices and the importance of routine screening. By uniting, we can fight back against cancer more effectively to bring a brighter tomorrow.