Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) is a rare glandular cancer that affects the bile ducts.  The bile ducts are responsible for draining bile from the liver into the small intestines.  Bile duct cancer is often discovered after symptoms become evident.  Symptoms often occur due to blockage of the bile duct and the earlier bile duct cancer is detected, the more likely this cancer can be treated successfully.  Bile duct cancer is considered incurable unless all tumors are surgically removed.  Various types of bile duct cancer include pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, and cancer of the ampulla of Vater.

Bile duct cancer symptoms include:

- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Itching caused by an excess of bilirubin within the blood
- Light colored stools
- Dark colored urine
- Abdominal pain (particularly below the ribs on right side)
- Weight loss due to a loss of appetite
-  Fever
- Nausea or vomiting

Gallstones and hepatitis often mimic the signs of bile duct cancer, but it’s a good idea to consult your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above.  Early detection of bile duct cancer is important to the prognosis and your survival rate depends on the stage where it’s discovered.