Central Maine Healthcare

Where You are the Center

Hematology-Oncology (Cancer)

Medical Therapy

Fighting cancer is a big job but with Central Maine Healthcare on your side, you have access to the most effective weapons. Of these is medical therapy, which uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, often together with surgery and/or radiation therapy.

Full Range of Cancer-Fighting Treatments

We offer the latest medications, which maximize the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing the unpleasant side effects. Our board-certified medical oncologists and specially certified nurses will work closely with you and your cancer care team to carefully plan and monitor each treatment. Throughout every phase of care, we’ll also be right by your side to help you feel well and maintain as much as your normal routine as possible.

Depending on your unique needs, your medical therapy plan may include one or a combination of:

  • Chemotherapy: Used to kill cancer cells with medicines delivered in varied cycles through either an injection or a pill. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery, to kill cancer cells that remain in the body after surgery or radiation or to treat tumors that have developed in other areas. It can also help alleviate cancer-related symptoms.
  • Immunotherapy: Uses the body’s natural defense system to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy drugs work by making hidden cancer calls visible to the immune system, allowing white blood cells to fight and kill the cancer.
  • Targeted therapy: Helps stop cancer from growing and spreading by targeting specific genes or proteins found in cancer cells or blood vessel cells.
  • Hormone therapy: Slows or stops the growth of cancer cells that uses hormones to grow, usually in breast and prostate cancers.

Cancer Care Excellence in Central Maine

Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center provides medical therapy through Hematology-Oncology Associates practice, which has offices in Lewiston, Bridgton, Rumford and Brunswick.

The practice is certified with the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI)™.

Comfort and Compassionate Care

You’ll receive intravenous medical therapy at our state-of-the art infusion center at Hematology-Oncology Associates in Lewiston. The center is designed for healing and comfort, an open space with bright windows and plenty of sunlight.

Support through Treatment and Beyond

We offer a full range of cancer support services to help deal with any and all treatment challenges. That includes one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian to ensure good nutrition and manage any nausea or changes in appetite. We also have a chaplain for spiritual care, ongoing support groups and much more.

Cancer care

“A defining feature of everyone who works here is they have a passion for the care of patients with cancer. From the front office, nurses , pharmacy, radiation colleagues, people would not be in here if they did not feel connected to the mission for care” – Hector Tarraza, MD, Chief of the Central Maine Healthcare Oncology Institute

With thoughtful design, Central Maine Healthcare’s oncology team will now be assembled under one roof—fully embracing the patient on their journey from diagnosis to wellness and all the challenging steps in between.

The Cancer Care Center at Central Maine Medical Center is an integrated, multi-disciplinary program that combines a full spectrum of services and medical specialists to diagnose and treat cancer all in one center. Some of the best minds in cancer care work together, using advanced technology, to give people with cancer the best options for treatment and recovery.

We’re proud of the numerous certifications and awards we have received from national organizations recognizing our commitment to cancer patients’ experience and the quality of their care. Among others, we are accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.

As a community hospital comprehensive care program, we must also meet high standards including a team approach to care coordination, access to prevention and early detection programs, cancer education, and support services. We also share and receive valuable data through our participation in the National Cancer Database.

Meet our providers

Deidra’s story

“I would not have chosen to go through what I’ve been through, but now that I have, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My whole perspective on life has changed. The staff at the Cancer Care Center was the best. I just love everybody there.”  Read More…

Why Choose Us

Every day, Central Maine Healthcare helps patients throughout our community bring their best to the battle against cancer. Here are just a few of the ways we’re bringing hope and healing to our communities:

Everybody Working Together to Beat Cancer

At Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center (CMCCC), all the treatment you need is together under one roof: surgery, radiation and medical oncology. That’s not only convenient for you but it allows us to easily unify our efforts. Our providers, specialists, and nurses – plus social workers, dietitians, rehabilitation therapists and more – all work near each other and closely together to consider and regularly discuss the treatment plan that will produce the best possible results for each patient.

Commitment to Patients

Many of our nurses and therapists have been working with Central Maine Healthcare for 15 – 20 years, showing great dedication to their patients and devotion to the central Maine community.

Fast Diagnosis, Quick Path to Treatment

Our onsite labs allow us to make fast, accurate diagnoses. And if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, we understand you want to start treatment as soon as possible. Our radiation therapy group is set up to get you in quickly, so you can begin on the road to better health.

Infusion Centers Throughout Central Maine

Whether you’re near Central Maine Medical Center, Bridgton Hospital or Rumford Hospital, you’re close to one of our dedicated infusion centers. That means you can receive cancer treatment close to home.

CMCCC is Fully Accredited and Often Awarded

We’ve been accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

Friendly, Compassionate Care

We’re proud of the sense of family our caregivers feel at CMCC. You’re not just a number on a medical chart. We know your name and make a point of getting to know you and your family. We believe it’s the best way to provide a comfortable, healing environment that allows excellent care.

Kidney Cancer

About Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer – also known as renal cancer – is among the top 10 most common cancers for men and women. The rate of new kidney cancer diagnosis has risen as it is being detected more frequently through CT scans. When caught early, it is treatable and the number of survivors in remission has grown.

The disease starts when the cells of the kidneys mutate and form a tumor. Sometimes multiple tumors can form, break off and move into different parts of the body.

There are two main types of kidney cancer:

  • Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer and accounts for about 90 percent of cancerous tumors. It starts in the lining of very small tubes in the kidney.
  • Wilms’ tumor may develop in young children but is rare.

Kidney cancer does not usually cause signs or symptoms in the early stages, and there are currently no routine screening tests. In the later stages, kidney cancer signs and symptoms could include blood in the urine, back pain that won’t go away, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue and intermittent fevers.

Prevention

Researchers aren’t sure exactly what causes kidney cancer, but there are things that can increase your risk. These are known as risk factors and include:

  • Older age
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High blood pressure / hypertension
  • Kidney failure treatment / dialysis
  • Inherited syndromes like von Hippel-Lindau, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis
  • Family history of kidney cancer
  • Frequent exposure to cadmium or specific herbicides

There best preventative measures include taking steps to improve your current health:

  • Quit smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Control high blood pressure

Detection and Diagnosis

Kidney cancer is usually detected at more advanced stages because it can grow quite large before causing discomfort or pain. Tumors are also difficult to detect in a standard physical because the kidneys are deep inside the body. The majority of cases where kidney cancer is caught early on scans, the patient was being tested because they were suffering from symptoms of other kidney issues. If you are not at increased risk, then putting yourself through frequent CT scans or MRIs is not recommended.

Treatment

If you find that you have kidney cancer, rest assured you have some of central Maine’s best experts by your side. Our dedicated team—including board-certified urologic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists and more specialists—works closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

Surgery

Surgery to remove of all or part of the kidney is the main treatment for most kidney cancers and may include removing the surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Until recently, kidney removal could only be accomplished through a surgical procedure called open or partial nephrectomies. This procedure requires a large, muscle-cutting abdominal incision, removal of a rib and a relatively longer hospital stay and recovery period.

Fortunately, new minimally invasive techniques now make the procedure much easier for patients.  At Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer laparoscopic surgery, which allows your surgeon to perform an operation that results in significantly less pain and a faster recovery.

Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are generally not effective for treating kidney cancer, but immunotherapy may help some patients by increasing their body’s immune response in the setting of metastatic disease.

Genetic Counseling

If you have a family history of kidney or renal cancer, it is possible to test for hereditary cancer syndromes. The Cancer Care Center’s genetic counselors can work with you and your providers to determine if you are at risk for certain cancers and steps that should be taken to prevent cancer cells and tumors.

Support

Throughout your journey, you’ll find a variety of cancer support services to meet your physical, emotional, spiritual and financial needs. That includes your very own nurse navigator to coordinate all of your care, answer any questions and provide extra comfort and support every step of the way.

Screening and Diagnosis

If you’re worried you might have kidney cancer, we know it can be upsetting and distracting. At Central Maine Health, we understand not knowing can be the most difficult experience. That’s why we’re focused on providing the expert medical attention you need to get a diagnosis as quickly and accurately as possible.

Screening for Kidney Cancer

A screening test is used to find cancer before symptoms appear. While there are no recommended screening tests for kidney cancer in people who are at average risk, there are symptoms you should be aware of. And even though these symptoms are more often caused by conditions that are not cancer, you should still see your provider.

Symptoms that may indicate kidney cancer include:

  • Blood in your urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored
  • Low back pain on one side (not caused by injury)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss not caused by dieting
  • Tiredness
  • Fever, which usually comes and goes (intermittent)
  • Anemia (low red blood cell counts)

Screening for People at Higher Risk for Kidney Cancer

Some people inherit from their parents conditions that put them at higher risk for the disease. If you’re at a higher risk, your provider may recommend regular imaging tests like MRI, CT or ultrasound scans to look for kidney tumors. When these are found early, kidney cancer can often be cured.

Talk to your provider if anyone in your family (blood relatives) currently has kidney cancer or had it in the past, especially at a younger age. Also, you may be advised to have genetic testing done if you have a family history of inherited conditions linked to this cancer. These conditions include von Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, and Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome.

Genetic testing cannot detect kidney cancer. It can only tell you if you’re at a higher risk for the disease. If you are at higher risk, your provider may recommend regular testing. It’s important to note that a genetic test that shows you may be at higher risk does not mean you will get cancer. If genetic testing is recommended by your provider, our genetic counselors will help you understand what the test means for you.

Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer

If your provider suspects you may have kidney cancer, they will want to get more information. First, they will want to ask questions about your symptoms and learn more about your medical history.  They will also want to give you a physical exam to see if anything feels abnormal in your abdomen and to check for other signs of cancer or other health problems.  They may also order one or more of the following tests:

Blood and/or Urine Tests

A sample of your blood or urine is examined to show if there may be any problems with your kidneys. The tests cannot show whether or not you have cancer for certain, but they do provide your provider the information they need to determine next steps in your diagnosis.

Imaging Tests

There are many varieties of imaging tests, but all use either x-rays, sound waves, radioactive substances or magnetic fields to create pictures of the inside of the body. They help your provider look at areas they suspect may be cancer, to see how far cancer has spread, and/or to help find out if treatment is working. Examples of these tests include computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, ultrasound, chest x-rays and bone scans.

Biopsies

If imaging tests are not clear enough, a biopsy can help your provider determine if an area may be cancerous. In this case, he’ll remove a small sample of tissue, often with a needle. This sample is sent to a pathologist, who will look for any signs of cancer.

Guiding You Every Step of the Way

If you are diagnosed with kidney cancer, Central Maine Healthcare is here to support you and your family. Our nurse navigators work with you from your first appointment, helping you through your journey. They can provide or connect you with a wide variety of support services, including financial counseling, shuttle services, free lodging for family members at Arbor House, nutritional support and educational resources.

Treatment

Taking on cancer isn’t easy for anyone. At Central Maine Healthcare, we want to help you in your fight. We provide the highest-quality kidney cancer care, from advanced imaging, to a full range of treatment options and support services.

After your diagnosis, the first step in creating your treatment plan will be to determine what stage your cancer is. Stage 1 is least severe and stage 4 is most. Understanding the size of the tumor and how far the cancer has spread helps your provider understand how to treat the cancer and how successful that treatment may be.

Surgery for Kidney Cancer

Usually surgery will be the first step and is frequently the only intervention needed. Because we have two kidneys, it’s possible to live a full and healthy life with only one. Your provider may remove some or all of a kidney to treat your cancer.

Total Nephrectomy is the most common surgery done for kidney cancer. It removes the entire kidney, and occasionally the adrenal gland and surrounding tissue. A total nephrectomy can be done with a hand-assisted laparoscopic approach, which involves a few small incisions.

Partial Nephrectomy is removal of just the tumor, leaving as much normal kidney tissue as possible. This is done in some cases when the patient has a smaller tumor and it is in a favorable location within the kidney.

If both kidneys must be removed, or if neither of them is working, you may need dialysis. Dialysis is using a machine to clean your blood the way a healthy kidney normally would. Or if your cancer has not spread outside your kidneys, you may be able to have a kidney transplant, if a donated kidney is available.

Options in Addition to Surgery

Surgery isn’t the only way to manage kidney cancer.

Immunotherapy stimulates your body’s natural defenses (also known as your immune system) to boost your ability to fight cancer. It involves substances made by your body or in a lab. These substances are man-made versions of natural proteins that can reduce the size of kidney cancers in a small percentage of patients. This is generally only employed in cases where the tumor has spread to other parts of the body and surgery would not be curative.

Cryotherapy uses an external probe, often guided by a radiologist using ultrasound, to freeze and kill the tumor. This is often a good option for small tumors in patients who do not want or cannot tolerate surgery.

Arterial embolization is a procedure that stops blood supply to a tumor in the kidney. It may be used before surgery to reduce bleeding from a large tumor, to relive pain or to control other symptoms.

Radiofrequency ablation “cooks” a tumor with high-energy radio waves and is similar to cryoablation.

Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. A machine sends these x-rays into your body and to the cancer. In kidney cancer, radiation therapy is often used to help with symptoms in patients who cannot have surgery.

Chemotherapy is less effective for treatment of kidney cancer than for some other cancers. It uses anti-cancer drugs which may be injected into the vein or taken by mouth as pills. These drugs kill the cancer cells or stop them from growing. It works best on kidney cancer which contains spindle cells known as sarcomatoid variant. 

Support for Healing the Whole You

Dealing with cancer treatment can be difficult. At Central Maine Healthcare we offer many different support services to help you fight the disease. Our nurse navigators assist you through the entire process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. And our social workers can connect you with the counseling and information you and your family need to manage the emotional, spiritual, financial and practical needs that come with a cancer diagnosis.

Brain and Spinal Cancer

At Central Maine Healthcare we understand that a brain or spinal tumor diagnosis can be alarming. That’s why we offer the services of the cancer care team at Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center, an exceptionally skilled neurological oncology group to design your treatment plan and give you the best possible care, including the most effective approaches to combatting these diseases.

Brain and Spinal Tumors

A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells. These can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). With most cancers, benign tumors are much less of a concern than malignant ones. Benign tumors in the brain or spine are riskier to remove, and as they grow they may begin to press on and damage normal brain tissue or spinal nerves.

Prognosis will depend on your age, the type of tumor, and its location, not by how early it is discovered. As with any disease, early detection and treatment is likely to be helpful.

Prevention

Thanks to the blood-brain barrier, our bodies protect our brains from toxins that may affect other areas, so unlike many cancers, lifestyle choices like diet and exercise appear to have little impact on prevention of brain or spinal tumors. If you’ve been exposed to radiation, this may increase your chances of contracting the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no known way to protect against these tumors. The good news is that they are not common.

Detection and Diagnosis

Brain tumors are often discovered when a patient begins to have headaches, seizures or other symptoms of pressure inside the skull (also known as intracranial pressure). It’s important to note however that the majority of headaches and seizures are not caused by a brain tumor.

If you have a spinal cord tumor, symptoms may include numbness, weakness, or lack of coordination in the arms and/or legs (usually on both sides of the body), as well as bladder or bowel problems. Again, these symptoms don’t mean you have spinal cancer but if you have any of these symptoms, see your provider promptly.

The process for detecting brain or spinal cancer starts with your provider getting your medical history and completing a physical exam. If they discover anything abnormal, they may refer you to a neurologist or neurosurgeon who will do a more detailed neurologic exam or other tests, which may include imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or x-ray. These tests may show an abnormality but often they can’t tell the type of tumor. To make this determination, the provider may recommend a biopsy, which involves removing a bit of the tumor to further test it.

Treatment

CMH is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality brain and spine care. If you are in the process of being evaluated for or have received a brain or spinal cancer diagnosis, your provider will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Our health system offers experienced providers who specialize in treating cancer of the brain and spine, including:

  • Radiation oncologists, who use high-energy beams or small particles to kill cancer cells
  • Medical oncologists, who administer anti-cancer drugs, usually given into a vein or taken by mouth
  • Neurosurgeons, who remove cancerous tumors, lesions and tissues

Support

Fighting cancer is a tough job and we’re here to take it on with you. Our oncology nurses and oncology social workers know your treatment plan and help you get the support you need, whether it’s educational, emotionally supportive and wellness programs or a place for your loved ones to rest at the Arbor House, a free residential space on the CMMC campus.

Screenings and Diagnosis

If you’re concerned you may have brain or spinal cancer, you want to know your diagnosis as soon as possible. Central Maine Healthcare understands that knowing the first step, so we strive to provide the most accurate diagnoses as quickly as possible. Our pathologists and radiologists use state-of-the-art assessments to determine the cause of your symptoms and provide the best treatment.

Screening for Brain or Spinal Cancer

Brain or spinal cancer is usually detected by the symptoms it causes, which include headaches, seizures, back pain and numbness in the limbs. While patients with these symptoms usually don’t have brain or spinal cancer, talk to your provider promptly if you are experiencing any of them.

There are no widely recommended tests at this time that can detect brain or spinal cancer before symptoms appear. (“Screening” is the term for these types of tests.) But as with any cancer, early detection puts you at an advantage so be sure to share any and all symptoms you have with your provider.

Diagnosis of Brain and Spinal Cancer

A number of technologies and sciences are used to help your provider determine whether you have a tumor, whether it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and, if it is malignant, the type of cancer it may be.

A neurological exam may be ordered if you’re experiencing problems with your strength, reflexes, vision, coordination, hearing, or balance. Checking these areas helps your provider understand more about what areas of your brain or spine may be affected.

Pathology is another tool used to understand diseases, including brain and spinal tumors. If your provider suspects you may have one of these tumors, they may order pathology tests to examine the cells, tissues and/or fluids of your body. These samples are captured using the following techniques:

  • Blood tests
  • Resection, a technique for surgically removing areas suspected to be cancerous
  • Biopsies, which involve removing cells and tissue

Any of these tests are available onsite at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) although some samples are sent to an outside testing lab. Your provider can answer any questions you have about the process and will let you know when you can expect results.

Radiology uses pain-free X-rays and other high-energy radiation to produce accurate images of internal body structures, allowing radiologists to detect the presence or absence of most tumors. CMMC’s Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center is staffed with experienced radiologists who use a number of radiology scans to help providers find the cause of your symptoms, and if it’s a tumor, determine its type and best possible treatments. Radiology testing includes:

  • X-rays
  • Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Treatment

If you or a loved one has received a brain or spinal tumor diagnosis, we understand it can be upsetting and even frightening news. At Central Maine Healthcare (CMH), we want to provide everything we possibly can to make the treatment process reassuring. The information below is a general overview of the types of treatments your provider may recommend, but we hope you’ll do further research, including asking your care providers any questions you have.

Surgical Oncology

A surgeon who has expertise in removing cancerous tumors, lesions and tissues from the body is known as a surgical oncologist. This is often the first step in the treatment of brain or spinal cancer and in some cases will involve removing as much of the tumor as possible without affecting normal function and then following up with radiation treatments. Used together, these treatments may control or cure many tumors.

Radiation Oncology at the Cancer Care Cancer Center

A provider who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. They use high energy rays or small particles to kill cancer cells. When a tumor is on or near your spinal cord or brain, the radiation needs to be aimed very precisely to avoid damaging these important organs.

The radiation team at Central Maine Medical Center’s Cancer Care Center, will determine the best angle and the lowest possible dose of radiation, with the goal of damaging the tumor while minimizing harm to your healthy tissue. Providers at the Cancer Care Center have advanced training and years of experience using radiation to help patients fight brain and spinal cancer.

One or more of the techniques below may be used to focus the radiation in the most therapeutic way possible:

  • IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy)
  • IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy)
  • Rapid arc / VMAT (Volumetric-modulated arc therapy)
  • Hexapod table movement
  • CT simulation
  • SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy)
  • 3D-conformal radiation therapy

Medical Oncology

A medical oncologist treats cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and biological therapy to weaken the brain or spinal tumor. These drugs are delivered either intravenously (through a needle in the vein) or via a pill and are used to reduce a tumor’s size before surgery, to kill cancer cells remaining after surgery or radiation, or to treat tumors that have developed in other areas.

Medical oncologists undergo advanced training in the use of these drugs and create a plan to guide treatment. Patients at Central Maine Healthcare have peace of mind thanks to our relationship with the Hematology-Oncology Associates practice, which offers medical oncology specialists and a commitment to compassionate care. The practice features a state-of-the-art infusion center, as well as hydration, antibiotic, therapy and blood product transfusion services.

Bile Duct Cancer

What is Bile Duct Cancer? Your bile ducts are thin tubes that carry bile from the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas into your small intestine to help digest the fats in food. Bile duct cancer happens when cells in the bile ducts divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissue. Because bile duct cancer occurs deep in the body, it is difficult to detect and there are no screening tests that can find it before it produces symptoms. The good news is that it is very rare, with only 8,000 people per year diagnosed with the disease.

Detection and Diagnosis: Symptoms of bile cancer can include pain in the belly, nausea and vomiting, fever, weakness and dark urine. But experiencing these symptoms does not mean you have the disease – it is quite rare. If you’re concerned about your risk of bile duct cancer, you want a diagnosis or to know the disease has been ruled out quickly. Central Maine Healthcare’s cancer care team is focused on providing fast, accurate testing, along with compassionate care. 

Treatment: Bile duct cancer is usually treated with either surgery or radiation and often with a combination of the two. With surgery, your provider removes as much of the cancer as possible. Sometimes all of it can be removed, curing the cancer. In other cases, the cancer is too advanced, but surgery can be done to remove as much as possible in order to relieve symptoms or treat complications.

The other form of treatment is radiation, which uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. This approach allows your provider to try to eliminate cancer that could not be safely removed during surgery. If the cancer can’t be operated on but hasn’t spread to other parts of the body, radiation helps control the disease.

Support: Central Maine Healthcare’s cancer care team includes nurses specially trained for treating cancer patients, nurse navigators who guide patients and their loved ones to a variety of supportive resources, and oncology social workers who help you balance the demands of battling cancer with the rest of your life. Our residential facility, Arbor House, offers patients and families bedrooms, apartments, laundry facilities and a dining room all on the Central Maine Medical Center campus.

Screening for Bile Duct Cancer: Your bile ducts are deep inside your liver and gall bladder so detecting cancer in these areas during a physical exam is very difficult. And so far there are no reliable blood tests or other tests that can help providers discover the disease in its early stages. Usually, bile duct cancer is discovered after tumors have grown large enough to create symptoms. One of the most common is jaundice, a yellowing of the eyes and skin, that’s caused by a blocked duct. Other symptoms of bile duct cancer include:

  • Pain in your belly or sides, which can come from fluid buildup
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite/weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Itching
  • Light-colored stools
  • Dark urine

It’s important to note that bile duct cancer is quite rare – only about 8,000 people per year are diagnosed with the disease – so if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s not likely you have bile duct cancer.

Diagnosis of Bile Duct Cancer: Your provider will use a combination of methods to diagnose your condition, including:

  • Physical exam
  • Blood tests – blood is drawn from your body with a needle and examined in a lab
  • Endoscope ERCP spy glass cholangioscopy
  • Ultrasound – a pain-free imaging tool that uses soundwaves
  • CT scan – which uses powerful x-rays to make an image of the inside of your abdomen
  • MRI – image created by high powered magnets that a radiologist uses to detect tumors
  • Endoscopy – endoscope cable with a camera lets your provider see inside your body without surgery or be used to inject dye into bile ducts, which are x-rayed in a test referred to as ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography).
  • Laparoscopy – once sedated, your provider inserts a thin tube through an incision with a small video camera so they can see if – and how far – the cancer has spread.

Treating Bile Duct Cancer: Bile duct cancer is usually treated with surgery, radiation or some mix of the two. Your cancer care team will develop a treatment plan based on how advanced the cancer is, whether tests indicate it can be surgically removed, how well your liver is functioning, your age and general health condition, and a host of other factors.

Surgery for Bile Duct Cancer: Because bile duct cancer is difficult to detect, it’s usually only discovered after surgery could cure the cancer. If imaging tests or surgeries indicate the cancer has been caught early, a surgeon may be able to remove all the cancer, plus a margin of healthy tissue around it. This is referred to as curative surgery because it usually cures the cancer.

In most other cases, the cancer is too advanced or is in a spot where surgery to completely remove the cancer would be very risky for the patient. In these situations, your provider may consider palliative surgery, which means the procedure is done to relieve symptoms or treat complications, rather than cure the disease. Both curative and palliative surgeries are major operations that can require long recovery times, so you should be sure you’re well informed about the goals of the surgery, its risks and potential side effects.

Palliative endoscopy is often done to unblock a bile duct which can relieve jaundice or itching that is common with bile duct cancer. While it can help the patient feel better, it is not done to eliminate or cure the cancer. In some cases, a surgeon will rely on the best information available – which may come from imaging tests and/or exploratory surgeries like laparoscopy – to plan a curative surgery but realize when the surgery begins that the cancer is too advanced or widespread to be cured. At this point, they may decide to take palliative measures.

Radiation therapy for bile duct cancer isn’t common and providers disagree about how helpful it is. But your provider may decide in your case that its benefits outweigh its costs, which can include side effects like skin redness and blistering, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. There are two main types of radiation therapy for bile duct cancer:

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) – uses high-energy rays aimed directly at the tumor to kill cancer cells. EBRT is the most commonly used radiation therapy for bile duct cancer

Brachytherapy – is also known as “internal radiation therapy.” A radiologist places small pellets of radioactive material next to or into the tumor. Since the source of the radiation is so close, it affects the cancer without causing much harm to nearby healthy tissue.

RFA Endoscopic Treatment – CMMC offers these treatments at the Cancer Care Center, which has state-of-the-art radiation therapy services, including EBRT and brachytherapy.

Chemotherapy for Bile Duct Cancer: the use of medical drugs to treat cancer. Also known as medical oncology, it involves giving these drugs in the vein (IV) or taking them by mouth. Since they go directly into the bloodstream, they reach all areas of the body. Like radiation therapy, providers may not agree on whether chemotherapy is helpful for bile duct cancer. Still, your provider may decide it is useful for your case. Chemotherapy may be used in one or a combination of several ways to treat bile duct cancer:

  • To shrink tumors before surgery to make them smaller and easier to remove
  • To lessen the odds that cancer will return after surgery has removed the tumors
  • To help people whose cancer can’t be operated on to live longer
  • To slow the growth of or reduce the size of tumors that are creating painful symptoms by pressing on nerves.

The Cancer Care Center at Central Maine Medical Center offers our cancer patients who need medical oncologists the services of Hematology-Oncology Associates practice, which is committed to offering the most current, individualized, compassionate and convenient care for cancer patients and their families.

Cancers We Treat

At Central Maine Healthcare, our cancer care experts specialize in the prevention, early detection and treatment of a wide range of cancers, from the common to the complex.

We understand that no two cancers – and no two people – are the same. Our care focuses on your individual needs—physical, emotional and spiritual.

At every step, you’ll have our dedicated cancer care team by your side, including some of central Maine’s leading medical oncologists, hematologists, cancer surgeons, specially trained nurses and more. These specialists will work closely together and with you to create a personalized plan to wellness and are always available to provide compassionate care for you and your loved ones.

We offer a full range of cancer support services for the whole family, including one-on-one counseling with LCSW’s, dietitians, and therapists, plus ongoing support groups and wellness resources.

Exceptional Cancer Care, Close to Home

Providers, nurses, and all team members at Central Maine Medical Center, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital take pride in bringing high-quality, personalized care to our communities in central, western and mid-coast Maine.

Oncology Clinics Convenient to You

Both Bridgton Hospital, Rumford Hospital and the Topsham Clinic offer oncology services, including medical oncologists, Infusion, and an oncologist always on-call on weekends.

Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Central Maine Medical Center has been recognized one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer Care by the Women’s Choice Award and accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, so you can have peace of mind about the care you receive.

A to Z Search for Services

Central Maine Healthcare covers all of your physical and mental health needs.
Click on a service below to learn more about what we offer and where to find care near you.

  • Addiction Services

    We are committed to understanding and serving people who are living with addiction. We provide compassionate trauma-informed care based on best practi… Learn More >

  • Bariatric Surgery

    Central Maine Bariatric Surgery understands how important weight loss is for patients. We have been established since 2007 and have a team ready to su… Learn More >

  • Breast Health

    When it comes to caring for your breast health, Central Maine Healthcare offers a spectrum of services to help screen, diagnose, and treat. From the m… Learn More >

  • Cancer care

    The Cancer Care Center at Central Maine Medical Center is an integrated, multi-disciplinary program that combines a full spectrum of services and med… Learn More >

  • Cardiovascular services

    Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) brings skilled medical specialists and innovative treatments to the people of central Maine and bey… Learn More >

  • Diabetes and Endocrinology

    Diabetes and other endocrine-system conditions are complex, and when you’ve been diagnosed with one, it’s hard to know what to do next. Learn More >

  • Ear, Nose and Throat

    At Central Maine Healthcare, our board-certified ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists understand how this connected system works and can identify th… Learn More >

  • Emergency Care

    If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately or go to your nearest ER. Emergencies happen when you least expect them,… Learn More >

  • Gastroenterology

    Your digestive system involves so many parts of the body – your throat, stomach, intestines, colon, rectum, pancreas, gallbladder and liver. So, whe… Learn More >

  • Imaging Services

    Welcome to Central Maine Medical Center Imaging Services. We take pride in providing our community with technologically advanced, up-to-date imaging s… Learn More >

  • Integrative Medicine

    At Central Maine Healthcare, we’re focused on the whole you — mind, body and spirit. That’s why we specialize in integrative medicine, with a va… Learn More >

  • Laboratory Services

    Central Maine Healthcare offers lab services at convenient locations for tests as part of your routine appointment or for screening of specific condit… Learn More >

  • Long-Term Care

    At Central Maine Healthcare, our long-term care feels exactly like home. We believe in taking complete care of you or your loved one’s physical, med… Learn More >

  • Neurology

    Central Maine Healthcare's neurologists and other doctors are specialists in epilepsy, movement disorders and other neurological disorders. Learn More >

  • Nutrition Services

    Clinical Nutrition A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a “food and nutrition expert” who has completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree ... <a class… Learn More >

  • Orthopedic care

    The Orthopedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) serves the people of Central, Western and Midcoast Maine. OICM works collaboratively with our outpati… Learn More >

  • Palliative Care

    Central Maine Healthcare's palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illness. This type of care is focused on providing reli… Learn More >

  • Pediatrics

    CMH’s kid-friendly team members and ambience — as well as our kid-sized examination tables and tools — instantly put children at ease. And we fi… Learn More >

  • Pharmacy

    The CMMC Pharmacy is open to the public and accepts all major insurance plans. As part of your healthcare team, let our pharmacy assist you with manag… Learn More >

  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

    Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a personal choice, and a personal journey. At Central Maine Healthcare, our double-board certified physician a… Learn More >

  • Primary Care

    At Central Maine Healthcare, we make primary care easy and accessible to community members like you. We believe in providing compassionate, quality ca… Learn More >

  • Pulmonary

    At Central Maine Healthcare we provide diagnosis and treatment to our patients as well as education to both the patient and family. Learn More >

  • Rehabilitation and Therapy

    Whether you have suffered an injury at work or on the field, are recovering from surgery or just want to better manage pain, the Orthopedic Institute… Learn More >

  • Rheumatology

    Rheumatology is the study and treatment of rheumatic disorders, a wide range of conditions affecting the joints and connective tissue and typically ca… Learn More >

  • Sleep Medicine

    At Central Maine Healthcare, we know what a peaceful night’s sleep means for your health and life. Our board-certified sleep medicine specialist and… Learn More >

  • Surgical services

    Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) brings skilled medical specialists and innovative treatments to the people of central Maine and bey… Learn More >

  • Telehealth Services

    Central Maine Healthcare now offers telehealth services, bringing you the care you need when you’re unable to leave home. Online and telephone visit… Learn More >

  • Trauma Center

    We offer three ERs right in the communities we serve – each staffed 24/7 with board-certified emergency providers and specialty trained team members… Learn More >

  • Urology

    Using the latest and most advanced screening technology allows our medical team to scan with amazing detail. This allows us to more accurately detect… Learn More >

  • Women’s and children’s health

    Women of all ages have unique health and medical needs, which is why Central Maine Healthcare has spent decades building services, treatment, educatio… Learn More >

  • Wound Care

    Central Maine Medical Center’s Comprehensive Wound Center is a centralized location for all aspects of wound care. Our team of specialists provides… Learn More >

Rumford Hospital

Rumford Hospital is a 25-bed, not-for-profit critical access hospital (CAH), offering inpatient and outpatient services to the River Valley community. Rumford Hospital provides patients with local access to 24-hour emergency care and an array of healthcare services, including primary care, diagnostic and medical-surgical nursing services, women’s health and ambulatory surgery. The hospital’s swing bed program provides care for patients who need skilled nursing services.

420 Franklin Street
Rumford, ME 04276
Main: (207) 369-1000
Emergency: (207) 369-1051
Directory >

You might be interested in…

 Central Maine Medical Center
Bridgton Hospital
A to Z Search for Services

Central Maine Medical Center

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) in Lewiston is the flagship facility of Central Maine Healthcare. CMMC is a 250-bed, not-for-profit, Level III Trauma Center, offering comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services to the people of central Maine. CMMC provides 24-hour emergency care, a state-of-the-art Cancer Care Center, an award-winning stroke center and extensive specialized care. CMMC is also the southern Maine base for LifeFlight of Maine, the state’s only medical helicopter service.

300 Main Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
Main: (207) 795-0111
Emergency: (207) 795-2200
Directory >

You might be interested in…

 A to Z Search for Services
Bridgton Hospital
Rumford Hospital