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What Are the Symptoms of Bile Duct Cancer?

People with bile duct cancer may have any or all of these symptoms depending on the location and extent of the bile duct cancer.

  • Jaundice, which is caused by rising levels of bilirubin. This is a by-product in bile produced when red blood cells break down. When there is too much bilirubin in the body, the eyes and skin turn yellow. Jaundice is the most common symptom of bile duct cancer.

  • Pain in the upper right side of the stomach area. Early bile duct cancers do not usually cause pain, but constant pain in the stomach area can develop as the cancer grows and spreads.

  • Itchy skin, called pruritus

  • Dark brown urine

  • Fever or chills

  • Light, clay-colored stools 

  • Bloating, loss of appetite, and weight loss

It is important to remember that all these symptoms can be caused by many other medical problems. They may or may not mean that bile duct cancer is present. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible to find out why you have them.

Online Medical Reviewer: Alteri, Rick MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Coleman, JoAnn RN, MS, ACNP, AOCN®
Online Medical Reviewer: Sun, Weijing MD
Last Annual Review Date: 4/27/2008