Getting diagnosed with bile duct cancer
Some people are diagnosed with bile duct cancer after they become very unwell and go to A&E. Others see their GP if they have symptoms that could be due to cancer.
The doctor who sees you will examine you, and they might refer you for tests or to see a specialist. If the tests show that you have cancer, you have more tests to find out its size and whether it has spread. This is called staging.
Seeing your GP when you have symptoms of bile duct cancer
Your GP will ask about your symptoms. They might send you for some tests and scans and arrange for you to see a specialist.
Referral to a bile duct cancer specialist
You may be referred to a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to bile duct cancer. This might be an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Screening for bile duct cancer
There isn't a screening programme for bile duct cancer in the UK. This is because there isn't a test that can pick up bile duct cancer at an early stage.
Tests for bile duct cancer
You might have a number of tests to check for bile duct cancer. This includes blood tests, scans and having a sample of tissue (biopsy) taken from your bile duct.
