Bile Duct Cancer

What Is Bile Duct Cancer?

Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the bile ducts, the network of tubes connecting the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine.

Signs and Symptoms

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Dark urine
• Clay colored stool
• Pain in the abdomen
• Fever
• Itchy skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss for an unknown reason

Testing

• Physical exam and health history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health including checking for signs of disease such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
• Liver function tests: A procedure in which providers check a blood sample to measure the amounts of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase released into the blood by the liver.
• Laboratory tests: Medical procedures that test samples of tissue, blood, urine, or other substances in the body.
• Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9 tumor marker tests: A procedure in which a sample of blood, urine, or tissue is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances made by organs, tissues, or tumor cells in the body.
• Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs such as the abdomen to create a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.
• CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body such as the abdomen that are taken from different angles.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body.
• MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body such as the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas, and pancreatic duct.
• Biopsy – A procedure that removes cells and tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.

Prognosis Factors

The prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:

• Whether the cancer is in the upper or lower part of the bile duct system
• The stage of the cancer - whether it affects only the bile ducts or has spread to the liver, lymph nodes, or other places in the body
• Whether the cancer has spread to nearby nerves or veins
• Whether the cancer can be completely removed by surgery
• Whether the patient has other conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Whether the level of CA 19 9 is higher than normal
• Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back)

Stages of Bile Duct Cancer

• See our booklet for more information

Treatment Options

Standard Treatments

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

New Treatments Being Tested in Clinical Trials

• Liver transplant
• Targeted therapy
• lmmunotherapy

See our booklet for comprehensive information about Bile Duct Cancer.

This content was last medically reviewed in May 2022 by Sharlotte Manley, MSN, FNP, Erlanger Gastroenterology.