Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Overview

Primary sclerosing (skluh-ROHS-ing) cholangitis (koh-lan-JIE-tis) is a disease of the liver's bile ducts. These ducts transport bile to the gallbladder and intestines to aid in food digestion. In primary sclerosing cholangitis, your body attacks the bile ducts, causing them to be constantly inflamed (swollen). Over time, the inflamed bile ducts harden and develop scar tissue (cirrhosis), which disrupts bile flow, eventually causing liver damage.

Up to 30 percent of people diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis will eventually develop cancer in their bile ducts.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Mayo Clinic is a leading treatment center for people with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Mayo Clinic has the largest liver transplant program in the United States and has performed many transplants in people who have primary sclerosing cholangitis. Mayo Clinic is one of the few medical centers in the country that treats bile duct cancer with a liver transplant.
• Team approach. Effective treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis requires coordinated care by several specialties. Liver specialists (hepatologists), radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, pediatric specialists and surgeons work as a team to provide comprehensive care for adults and children with primary sclerosing cholangitis.
• Continuous improvement. Many Mayo Clinic doctors are researching primary sclerosing cholangitis, including studies on genetic risk and new medications. You benefit from those treated before you, and your treatment contributes to new knowledge for the future.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for digestive disorders.

Read more about primary sclerosing cholangitis at MayoClinic.com.