What is bile duct cancer?

Bile duct cancer develops in the tubes that connect the liver and gallbladder to the small bowel. 

Symptoms of bile duct cancer

The symptoms of bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) include yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and weight loss.

Getting diagnosed

Some people are diagnosed with bile duct cancer after they become unwell and go to A&E. Others start by seeing their GP. Your GP might refer you for tests and to see a specialist. 

Survival for bile duct cancer

Survival depends on several factors including the stage of your cancer. This means how big it is and whether it has spread. 

Treatment for bile duct cancer

The type of treatment you have depends on the stage of your cancer and your general health. The main treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and treatment to help reduce your symptoms. 

Types of bile duct cancer

There are different types of bile duct cancer. The type you have depends on the type of cell the cancer started in, and which part of the bile duct is affected.

Stages and grades of bile duct cancer

The stage and grade of bile duct cancer helps your doctor decide the treatment you need. For bile duct cancer, doctors might use the number staging system, the TNM system or the Bismuth-Corlette staging system. 

Research and clinical trials for bile duct cancer

Current research is looking at ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of bile duct cancer. Clinical trials are open in the UK for people diagnosed with bile duct cancer.

Living with bile duct cancer

Advice and support are available to help you cope with bile duct cancer and its treatment.

What is advanced bile duct cancer?

Advanced bile duct cancer is cancer that has spread outside the bile ducts into lymph nodes or organs near the bile duct. Or that has spread to another part of the body such as the lungs (secondary or metastatic bile duct cancer). 

Risks and causes of bile duct cancer

Factors that increase the risk of developing bile duct cancer include getting older and long term (chronic) inflammation of the bile ducts.

Last reviewed: 
16 Sep 2021
Next review due: 
16 Sep 2024