Bile Duct Cancer

Definition

Bile duct cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the bile ducts, the small tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. It can occur inside the liver (intrahepatic) or outside it (extrahepatic).

Characteristics

Cholangiocarcinoma is often aggressive and may not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. When symptoms do appear, they can include jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine, and unexplained weight loss. Risk factors include chronic bile duct inflammation, liver fluke infection, and certain liver diseases.

Diagnosis and Prognosis

Diagnosis involves imaging tests (CT, MRI), blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy. Prognosis is generally poor due to late detection, but varies based on tumor location, size, and whether it has spread. Intrahepatic tumors tend to have a slightly better outlook if caught early.

Treatment

Surgery is the preferred treatment for early-stage disease. In more advanced cases, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies may be used. Liver transplantation is considered for select patients with specific tumor characteristics.

Last Revised: 12 May , 2025