British actor Ian Gelder, best known for his role as Kevan Lannister in the hit fantasy series "Game of Thrones," has passed away at the age of 74. The news was shared by his longtime partner and fellow actor, Ben Daniels, who announced Gelder's death on social media.
Gelder's battle with bile duct cancer, which he was diagnosed with last December, came to an end on Monday afternoon. Daniels expressed profound sorrow, describing Gelder as his "absolute rock" during their relationship spanning over three decades.
Gelder's portrayal of Kevan Lannister, the loyal brother of Lord Tywin Lannister, left a lasting impression on fans throughout the series. Despite an absence in some seasons, Gelder returned to reprise his character, meeting his demise in the final episode of season six.
Beyond "Game of Thrones," Gelder showcased his acting ability in various television series, including "Doctor Who," "Torchwood," "His Dark Materials," and "Father Brown." Both colleagues and fans praised and respected him for his versatility as an actor.
Daniels shared heartfelt sentiments, describing Gelder as the "kindest, most generous, spirited, and loving human being." He emphasized Gelder's incredible strength in overcoming the disease and his exceptional bravery throughout his fight with cancer.
Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the slender tubes (bile ducts) responsible for carrying bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. This type of cancer poses significant challenges due to its late diagnosis and limited treatment options.
Cholangiocarcinoma is categorized into three main types based on its location within the bile ducts:
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Occurs within the bile ducts inside the liver.
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma: Affects the bile ducts just outside the liver, also known as perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Distal cholangiocarcinoma: Occurs in the extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, or section of the bile duct that is nearest to the small intestine.
The symptoms of bile duct cancer may not manifest until the disease has progressed significantly. Common signs and symptoms include:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Intense itching
White-colored stools
Abdominal pain, particularly on the right side below the ribs
Unexplained weight loss
Fever and night sweats
Dark urine
Due to its unclear nature, bile duct cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment challenging. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound, along with a tissue biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Treatment options for bile duct cancer depend on various factors, including the cancer's stage, location, and the patient's overall health. Options may include:
Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues may be attempted if the cancer is localized and operable.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs may be administered orally or intravenously to target cancer cells and slow down tumor growth.
Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is directed at the tumor site to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Liver transplant: In some cases, a liver transplant may be considered for patients with early-stage bile duct cancer.
Risk factors for bile duct cancer include conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, chronic liver disease, bile duct abnormalities present at birth, liver parasite infections, older age, smoking, diabetes, and certain inherited conditions.
Prevention strategies include smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, and taking precautions to avoid liver damage.
Because of its aggressiveness and lack of available therapeutic options, bile duct carcinoma poses a significant problem in the field of oncology. Sustained investigation into novel therapeutic approaches and early detection techniques is crucial to enhancing predictions for individuals afflicted with this uncommon and complex illness.
Celebrities and colleagues showered Gelder with tributes, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment sector. Richard E. Grant, among others, mourned the passing of an outstanding actor who made a lasting impression on everyone he had the honor of working with.
1. Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile duct cancer)—Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 8, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cholangiocarcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352408
2. What is bile duct cancer? | what is cholangiocarcinoma? (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, 2024, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/bile-duct-cancer/about/what-is-bile-duct-cancer.html
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)