What should you know about ESMO cholangiocarcinoma?

The bile ducts carry bile from the liver and gallbladder towards the intestine. Cholangiocarcinoma may develop inside the liver, around the liver hilum or farther along the duct system. A blockage can cause yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, itching, abdominal discomfort or fever. These symptoms can also arise from non-cancerous bile duct problems, so assessment is needed before drawing conclusions.

A specialist team may use blood tests, imaging and a tissue sample when appropriate to define the diagnosis and stage. If the tumour can be removed safely, tumour removal surgery may be considered. Chemotherapy can treat cancer cells throughout the body. Targeted therapy may be an option when testing identifies a change for which a suitable medicine exists. Bile drainage or other supportive measures may be needed when a blockage causes symptoms.

Seek urgent medical help for fever with yellow skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting or rapidly worsening weakness. A blocked bile duct can become infected and requires prompt treatment. Tell the oncology team about new itching, worsening jaundice, reduced urine, inability to eat or a sudden change in pain.

Where in the bile duct did this begin? Has it spread, and can surgery remove it? What information will tissue or molecular testing provide? Which treatment is proposed first, and how will bile flow and symptoms be supported?