Bile duct cancer

Need to know

• What are the symptoms of bile duct cancer? icon plus

  Usually, the signs of bile duct cancer won't show until its later stages, when the cancer grows large enough to cause a blockage. These symptoms might include:

  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • pale-coloured faeces
  • darker urine
  • itchy skin
  • feeling tired and unwell
  • abdominal pain and swelling
  • fever, chills and shivering

  These symptoms might be a sign of other conditions, so it's important to see a consultant who can diagnose your symptoms.

• How is bile duct cancer diagnosed? icon plus

  Your HCA UK GP or consultant oncologist will discuss your symptoms with you. They may also recommend certain diagnostic tests.

  • Various blood tests to rule out other conditions.
  • An abdominal ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of your bile ducts, pancreas and liver from the outside.
  • An endoscopic ultrasound scan, which uses sound waves to create images of your bile ducts, pancreas and liver from the inside.
  • A detailed X-ray, where a special dye will be inserted into your bile duct to make them show up more clearly.
  • A biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of bile duct tissue and testing it for signs of cancer.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  Your treatment options will depend on the position, stage and size of the bile duct cancer. Another important factor is if the cancer has spread beyond the bile duct. In some cases, the aim of treatment is to relieve your symptoms rather than provide a cure.

  • surgery to remove the affected area (only in certain cases and if the cancer hasn't spread)
  • removing the cancerous bile ducts (normally for early-stage cancers)
  • Whipple's procedure (surgery to remove the bile ducts and parts of surrounding organs; for larger cancers)
  • surgery to remove the bile duct blockage (if the cancer is too big to remove)
  • chemotherapy (to kill remaining cancer cells)