What is cholangiocarcinoma?

A cholangiocarcinoma is cancer of the bile duct. These ducts are responsible for transporting bile from the liver to the gallbladder and from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Bile is a yellow-green liquid that aids in the digestion of fats. The formation of a tumour in the ducts may block the supply of bile to the small intestine.

What are the signs and symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma?

The signs and symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Upper right quadrant abdominal pain
• Clay colored stool
• Jaundice
• Fever

Which test(s) and/or procedure(s) may be requested to determine if I have cholangiocarcinoma?

Tests and procedures that can help detect cholangiocarcinoma include blood test, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram(ERCP) with biliary cytology, CT scan and MRI scan.

How is this condition surgically treated?

Treatment methods vary depending upon a patient’s condition and the location of the tumour. The most common surgical treatments for Cholangiocarcinoma are:

1. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (also called Whipple procedure) or
2. Bile duct excision together with liver resection.