Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) is a rare but aggressive type of cancer.
The bile duct system, or ‘biliary’ system, is made up of a series of tubes that begin in the liver and end in the small intestine. Bile is a fluid the digestive system uses to help break down fats and digest foods.
In most cases, there are no signs of bile duct cancer until it reaches the later stages, when symptoms can include:
jaundice – yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, itchy skin, pale stools and dark-coloured urine
unintentional weight loss
abdominal pain
Speak to your GP if you have signs of jaundice or are worried about other symptoms. While it is unlikely you have bile duct cancer, it is best to get it checked.
Read more about the symptoms of bile duct cancer
Bile duct cancer doesn’t usually cause any symptoms until the flow of bile from the liver is blocked.
In most cases, the condition is at an advanced stage by this time.
The blockage will cause bile to move back into the blood and body tissue, resulting in symptoms such as:
jaundice – yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, itchy skin, pale stools and dark-coloured urine
unintentional weight loss
abdominal pain – most people feel a dull ache in the upper right-hand side of their abdomen (stomach)
high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above and shivering
loss of appetite