Bile duct cancer is a malignancy that arises in the cells that line the bile duct, the drainage system for the liver. Bile duct cancer is medically known as cholangiocarcinoma. This is a rare, slow-growing cancer that increases in frequency with increasing age.
Signs and symptoms of bile duct cancer may not appear in the early stages. In later stages, associated symptoms and signs can include yellow coloring of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, weight loss, and itching. Other signs and symptoms can include dark urine, bloating, fever, and abdominal tenderness.
Cause of bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
Doctors do not fully understand the cause of cholangiocarcinoma, but conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the bile ducts (such as chronic liver disease, chronic hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, cirrhosis, and others) increase a person's risk for developing bile duct cancer.
Other bile duct cancer symptoms and signs
- Abdominal Pain
- Bloating
- Dark Urine
- Fever
- Itching
- Weight Loss
- Yellow Coloring of the Whites of the Eyes and Skin (Jaundice)
Main Article on Bile Duct Cancer Symptoms and Signs

SLIDESHOW
Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Images See SlideshowPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
Cancer-Fighting Foods: Resveratrol, Green Tea, and More
Experts have praised certain foods for their ability to reduce cancer risks. Learn which foods and eating strategies may help...
-
Cancer: How to Lower and Cut Your Risk of Cancer
About a third of all cases of cancer can be prevented. Find out how to lower your chances of getting it.
-
Cancer: Symptoms of Common Cancers in Men
Can men get breast cancer? Cancer symptoms men need to watch out for include skin changes, difficulty swallowing, rapid weight...
-
Signs of Cancer in Women: Symptoms You Can't Ignore
Colon and stomach cancer symptoms can surprise women but can be treated if detected early. Learn about breast cancer signs and...
-
Top 10 Cancers Quiz
Take this quiz to learn the causes of cancer. Get the facts about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for the world's most...
-
Understanding Cancer: Metastasis, Stages of Cancer, and More
Learn the basics about cancer including types, causes, how it spreads, symptoms and signs, stages and treatment options. Read...
From 
Cancer Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Cancer Report Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.