Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant (cancerous) growth in one of the ducts that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.

Malignant tumors of the bile ducts are usually slow-growing and late to spread (metastasize). Nonetheless, by the time a diagnosis is made, many of these tumors are too advanced to be removed surgically.

A cholangiocarcinoma may arise anywhere along the liver secretion (biliary) ducts. These tumors produce symptoms by blocking the bile ducts. They affect both sexes, and a majority of cases are found in patients above the age of 65.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis, choledochal (bile duct) cysts, and chronic biliary irritation are all associated with increased risk for this condition. Cholangiocarcinoma is rare, occurring in approximately 2 out of 100,000 people.

• Stools, clay colored
• Progressive jaundice
• Itching
• Right upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Chills

Tests that show tumor or obstruction in the bile duct:

• ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
• PTCA (percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram)
• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan-directed biopsy
• Cytology

• Liver function tests
• Bilirubin