Bile duct

Understanding bile-duct cancer

Bile-duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, can arise inside or outside the liver. The exact location determines the type of surgery. Staging and safe relief of jaundice are often important parts of planning.

Possible symptoms

  • Jaundice with dark urine or pale stool
  • Persistent itching
  • Abdominal pain, fever or nausea
  • Unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite

Assessment and staging

  • Liver-function and other blood tests
  • Contrast CT and MRI/MRCP to map the tumour and bile ducts
  • Endoscopic or image-guided sampling and drainage when appropriate
  • Multidisciplinary assessment of resectability and future liver volume

Treatment may include

  • Liver and bile-duct resection for selected intrahepatic or perihilar cancers
  • Whipple procedure for selected distal bile-duct cancers
  • Stent or drainage to relieve jaundice when needed
  • Chemotherapy, radiation or targeted treatment according to stage and test results

Before specialist review

  • Bring CT/MRI/MRCP images, not only printed reports
  • Bring ERCP, stent and biopsy reports
  • Record the date jaundice began and any fever episodes
  • Bring recent liver-function results and a medicine list

Seek urgent care for

  • • Fever or shaking chills with jaundice
  • • Confusion, faintness or severe weakness
  • • Severe abdominal pain or repeated vomiting
  • • A blocked or displaced external biliary drain
Common questions

Is bile-duct cancer always treated with Whipple surgery?

No. Surgery depends on tumour location. Distal tumours may require a Whipple procedure, while perihilar or intrahepatic tumours may require bile-duct and liver resection.

Why is jaundice sometimes treated before cancer surgery?

Selected patients may need drainage to treat infection or improve liver function before major surgery. The timing and method must be individualized.

Important: This information is for general education. It is not a diagnosis, emergency advice or an individual treatment plan. If you have urgent symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department.

Information sources

Content last updated: 2026-08-26