Bile duct tumours
Tumours of the bile ducts
HCA UK's experts can help to diagnose and treat a range of tumours, including bile duct tumours
About
Bile ducts carry a substance that digests fat (bile) within the digestive system. Tumours can sometimes develop in the bile ducts and tend to be benign (non-cancerous or adenomas) but others are malignant (cancerous), which means they could spread into other organs (parts of your body). Cancerous bile duct tumours are called cholangiocarcinomas.
Need to know
-
Symptoms of bile duct tumours icon plus
The bile ducts are small tubes connecting the liver, the gallbladder and the small intestine. Tumours can affect any part of the bile ducts, but cholangiocarcinomas are rare and are most common in adults aged over 65. Tumours of the bile duct can be removed by surgery in most cases, but cholangiocarcinomas can only be treated if found early. The most common symptoms of bile duct tumours are: - yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) - pale stools and dark urine - itchy skin - persistent tiredness - weight loss It’s important to see your GP if you have any of the symptoms above, especially jaundice. -
Diagnosis icon plus
Bile duct tumours can be diagnosed in several ways. Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. Tests they recommend may include: - blood test (to determine how well the liver is working) - X-ray (endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatogram or ERCP, which can also unblock the bile duct if it is necessary) - CT scan, MRI or ultrasound of the bile duct tumour -
Potential treatment options icon plus
Treatment options for bile duct tumours will depend on the size, type and location of tumour you have, whether it has spread and your overall health and fitness. Treatment may include: - surgery to remove all or part of the bile ducts - cholecystectomy (keyhole or open surgery to remove the gallbladder) - whipple’s procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), an operation to remove part of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder and the bile duct. - chemotherapy to prevent the growth of cancer - radiotherapy to kill cancer cells through radiation
Types of malignant bile duct tumours
Intrahepatic bile duct cancer
This type of cholangiocarcinoma starts in the liver bile ducts
Common bile duct cancer
This type of cholangiocarcinoma starts common bile duct (between the gallbladder and duodenum)
Klatskin tumours
Also known as perihilar cancers, these start where the left and right hepatic ducts join
Extrahepatic cancer
This type of cholangiocarcinoma starts in the bile ducts outside of the liver
Our consultants
We're proud to work with leading experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
-
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
-
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
-
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
-
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
-
The HPB Unit
The Princess Grace Hospital
42–52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
-
HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.