Overview
Squamous cell carcinoma of the liver and intrahepatic biliary tract is a very rare type of cancer that starts in the liver or in the bile ducts located inside the liver. The bile ducts are small tubes that carry bile (a digestive fluid) from the liver to the small intestine. This cancer is called 'squamous cell' because it grows from a specific type of flat cell that is not normally found in large numbers in the liver or bile ducts, making it unusual and different from the more common liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma. This cancer can affect how the liver works, which is an organ responsible for filtering the blood, producing proteins, and helping with digestion. As the tumor grows, it can block bile flow, damage liver tissue, and spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes. Common symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery (if the tumor can be removed), chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy. Because this cancer is so rare, there are no treatments specifically approved just for this type, and doctors often follow guidelines used for other liver or bile duct cancers. Early detection gives the best chance for treatment to work, but many cases are found at a late stage, making treatment more challenging.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomenUnexplained weight lossFeeling very tired or weakLoss of appetiteDark-colored urinePale or clay-colored stoolsNausea or vomitingSwelling or bloating in the bellyItchy skinFever without a clear cause
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventErbitux: FDA approved
For use in combination with radiation therapy, for the treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and for use as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN for whom prior platinum-based therapy has failed
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
1 availableErbitux
For use in combination with radiation therapy, for the treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and for use as a single agent for the treatment …
For use in combination with radiation therapy, for the treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and for use as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN for whom prior platinum-based therapy has failed
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract
No recent news articles for Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my cancer, and has it spread beyond the liver?,Is surgery or any other curative treatment an option for me?,Should my tumor be tested for specific genetic changes that might guide treatment?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,What chemotherapy or other systemic treatments do you recommend, and what are the side effects?,How will we know if the treatment is working, and how often will I be monitored?,What palliative care or support services are available to help manage my symptoms and quality of life?
Common questions about Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract
What is Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract?
Squamous cell carcinoma of the liver and intrahepatic biliary tract is a very rare type of cancer that starts in the liver or in the bile ducts located inside the liver. The bile ducts are small tubes that carry bile (a digestive fluid) from the liver to the small intestine. This cancer is called 'squamous cell' because it grows from a specific type of flat cell that is not normally found in large numbers in the liver or bile ducts, making it unusual and different from the more common liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma. This cancer can affect how the liver works
How is Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract inherited?
Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract typically begin?
Typical onset of Squamous cell carcinoma of liver and intrahepatic biliary tract is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.