Continued jaundice could be sign of cancer

 When 41-year-old Ramesh (name changed) was diagnosed with jaundice, he  did not have the faintest idea that two months later his life would turn upside down. 

 He initially showed regular symptoms of jaundice which include yellowish discolouration of the eyes and skin, and was undergoing treatment that is generally prescribed to jaundice patients.  However, as his condition kept getting worse, doctors conducted further investigations which revealed that he had cancer. Bile duct It was found that Ramesh was suffering from Klatskin tumour, which is a malignant tumour in a duct that carries bile from the liver to bile duct.In June, despite medications, his bilirubin level (yellow pigment in bile) shot from 3 to 22 within one week.  He was first tested for surgical jaundice. But as the test came out negative, cancer was the only possibility that remained. “It is a common issue of misdiagnosis. Jaundice in India is common, especially during summers and monsoons,”  said Dr G K Rath, head, Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).  “However, the doctors and patients alike have to ensure sooner diagnosis if patient does not show improvement within two weeks despite medication,” he added. After CT Scan, MRI and MRCP tests Ramesh’s tumour was established. He had to go through a seven-hour long surgery to remove it. A part of his liver was also removed.  ‘Could be fatal’ Dr Rajesh Jain, oncologist, at Action Cancer Hospital, who treated Ramesh said, “This is a case which could have become worse had the patient come to us later.” “Jaundice can be potentially catastrophic if appropriate treatment does not start at the appropriate time,” he added.