Curtis Jackson, a 46-year-old father of three, felt healthy and was in better shape than ever when he decided to update his life insurance policy. However, a routine screening revealed a rare and deadly liver disease – primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) – which increased his risk of developing bile duct cancer.
After undergoing an intensive physical and blood tests, doctors detected PSC, a chronic condition that inflames the bile ducts and causes liver damage. Patients often require a liver transplant, and there’s also a small chance of dying from bile duct cancer. To catch any potential problems early, Jackson underwent regular MRIs at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
However, during a recent appointment, the technician seemed “very concerned” about his condition, hinting that it might be cancer. Three weeks later, the devastating diagnosis was confirmed: Jackson had cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer. He was given intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment to fight the disease.
Fortunately, the treatment was successful, and Jackson received a liver transplant on March 6, after which he made a remarkable recovery. With regular check-ups and close monitoring required for life, Jackson is now focusing on rebuilding his life with his family.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cholangiocarcinoma-bile-duct-cancer-curtis-jackson-mayo-clinic-liver-transplant