Bile duct cancer
What is bile duct cancer?
Bile duct cancer starts in the cells of a bile duct. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to bile duct cancer.
Symptoms of bile duct cancer
Symptoms of extrahepatic bile duct cancer include jaundice, itching and loss of appetite. Learn about the symptoms of extrahepatic bile duct cancer.
Diagnosis of bile duct cancer
Tests to diagnose bile duct cancer, such as ultrasound and CT scan, are done when symptoms are present. Learn about diagnosing extrahepatic bile duct cancer.
Grading bile duct cancer
Grading is a way of classifying extrahepatic bile duct cancer cells based on their appearance and behaviour when viewed under a microscope.
Stages of bile duct cancer
Staging is a way of describing or classifying a cancer based on how much cancer there is in the body. The most common staging system for cancer is the TNM system.
If bile duct cancer spreads
Cancer cells have the potential to spread from the extrahepatic bile duct to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural). Metastases are also called secondary tumours.
Prognosis and survival for bile duct cancer
People with extrahepatic bile duct cancer may have questions about their prognosis and survival. Prognosis and survival depend on many factors. Only a doctor familiar with a person's medical history, type of cancer, stage, characteristics of the cancer, treatments chosen and response to treatment can put all of this information together with survival statistics to arrive at a prognosis.
Treatments for bile duct cancer
Treatments for extrahepatic bile duct cancer include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Learn about treatment options for extrahepatic bile duct cancer.
Supportive care for bile duct cancer
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of extrahepatic bile duct cancer. It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help improve the quality of life of people living with cancer.