Crucial Facts About Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)

Signs and Symptoms

You could detect or at least suspect cholangiocarcinoma based on symptoms such as:

1) Jaundice

This is perhaps the most common symptom, which features a yellowish skin tone. This results from an obstruction of the bile duct by cancer, which does not drain bilirubin as it should. This substance has a very strong color and accumulates in the blood. When bilirubin reaches the skin, it sticks to the tissue and causes this yellowish coloration. Jaundice is more easily detected under the sunlight, and it happens early in the course of the disease only if the tumor is located in the common hepatic duct or the common bile duct. Otherwise, it will only be seen in advanced cancer.