Bile duct tumours

Tumours of the bile ducts

HCA UK's experts can help to diagnose and treat a range of tumours, including bile duct tumours

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About

Bile ducts carry a substance that digests fat (bile) within the digestive system. Tumours can sometimes develop in the bile ducts and tend to be benign (non-cancerous or adenomas) but others are malignant (cancerous), which means they could spread into other organs (parts of your body). Cancerous bile duct tumours are called cholangiocarcinomas.

Need to know

  • Symptoms of bile duct tumours icon plus

    The bile ducts are small tubes connecting the liver, the gallbladder and the small intestine. Tumours can affect any part of the bile ducts, but cholangiocarcinomas are rare and are most common in adults aged over 65. Tumours of the bile duct can be removed by surgery in most cases, but cholangiocarcinomas can only be treated if found early. The most common symptoms of bile duct tumours are: - yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) - pale stools and dark urine - itchy skin - persistent tiredness - weight loss It’s important to see your GP if you have any of the symptoms above, especially jaundice.

  • Diagnosis icon plus

    Bile duct tumours can be diagnosed in several ways. Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Tests they recommend may include: - blood test (to determine how well the liver is working) - X-ray (endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatogram or ERCP, which can also unblock the bile duct if it is necessary) - CT scan, MRI or ultrasound of the bile duct tumour

  • Potential treatment options icon plus

    Treatment options for bile duct tumours will depend on the size, type and location of tumour you have, whether it has spread and your overall health and fitness. Treatment may include: - surgery to remove all or part of the bile ducts - cholecystectomy (keyhole or open surgery to remove the gallbladder) - whipple’s procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), an operation to remove part of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder and the bile duct. - chemotherapy to prevent the growth of cancer - radiotherapy to kill cancer cells through radiation

Types of malignant bile duct tumours

Intrahepatic bile duct cancer

This type of cholangiocarcinoma starts in the liver bile ducts

Common bile duct cancer

This type of cholangiocarcinoma starts common bile duct (between the gallbladder and duodenum)

Klatskin tumours

Also known as perihilar cancers, these start where the left and right hepatic ducts join

Extrahepatic cancer

This type of cholangiocarcinoma starts in the bile ducts outside of the liver

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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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