Symptoms of biliary tract cancers
There are often no symptoms of biliary tract cancer, particularly in the early stages. However, if there are symptoms, depending on where the cancer is, they may include:
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- excessive fatigue or weakness
- loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss
- nausea
- pain in the abdomen
- dark urine and pale stools
- extreme itching
It is best to see your doctor for review and investigation if you experience unexplained symptoms that worry you. They will ask you questions to help understand whether the cause of symptoms are biliary cancer or another condition.
Biliary cancer risk factors
Some known risk factors for developing biliary cancer include:
Cholangiocarcinoma
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Ulcerative colitis
Choledochal cysts
Liver fluke infection
Bile duct stones
Liver cirrhosis
Hepatitis B or C virus infection
Gallbladder cancer
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Family history of gallbladder cancer
Inflammation of the gallbladder, gallstones or gallbladder polyps
Porcelain gallbladder
Abnormalities of the pancreas and bile duct
Diabetes
Smoking and excessive alcohol
Being overweight
Ampullary cancer
Cholecystectomy
Familial adenomatous polyposis
Smoking
Being overweight
Read more:
> How biliary cancer is diagnosed
