Cholangiocarcinoma

[Dotwoo]

My husband, who was a Vietnam Vet was diagnosed and died from cholangiocarcinoma.  I have recently discovered that a number of VV's have developed and have died of this cancer.  Some widows believe that it is because of Agent Orange (dioxin) and others feel that it is due to parasites in southeastern Asia, especially when the veteran did not have any of the other risk factors for this cancer.

Can you shed any light on this?  The incidence of this very rare cancer among our Vietnam vets seems more than just a coincidence.

If this cancer is caused by either cause mentioned above, why does it take so long for the cancer to manifest itself?  

Thank you.

Dorothy

[CalGal]

I'm not sure if this will help since it's an older report and based on studies of Korean Vets, but it might be a starting point: http://www.dva.gov.au/media/publicat/2003/kwmortality/appendix_b.htm#B22. You could also query about helminthic infections - which might give you an overview of what happens when someone acquires a biliary 'liver' fluke and the advancement to serious problems.

[CalGal]

Sorry Dot, I called you Deb..............

[CalGal]

There are quite a number of reports of Vietnam Vets dying of this problem. In some cases it appears to be attributed to some form of parasite or liver fluke (I believe?). But if you google 'Cholangiocarcinoma in Vietnam Vets' I think you're going to find a 'load' of people who are seeking information and posting on the subject.

I'm not sure a lot of research has been done on this subject, but perhaps if all of the interested parties out there got together or organized, something might be done if someone could put together some statistics.