When to worry about jaundice with bile duct cancer

Jaundice happens when bilirubin builds up, causing yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. A bile duct tumour can narrow or block the passage of bile from the liver. Dark urine, pale stools, itching, nausea, reduced appetite, or discomfort under the ribs may occur alongside the yellowing. The same appearance can have other causes, so the treating team may need blood tests and imaging to check bile flow, liver function, and infection.

Contact your oncology or liver team as soon as you notice jaundice or a clear change in its intensity. Tell them about fever, chills, abdominal pain, vomiting, confusion, reduced urine, or any recent procedure or medicine change. Keep taking prescribed medicines unless the team tells you otherwise, and avoid alcohol and unapproved supplements. Keep a note of urine and stool color, itching, pain, and temperature to help the clinician assess the change.

Go to emergency care for jaundice with fever or shaking chills, severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, or marked weakness. These symptoms can signal infection or impaired liver function and should not wait for a routine appointment. Also seek urgent advice if you cannot keep fluids down or become unusually sleepy.

Could a blocked bile duct or infection explain this change? Which blood tests or scans are needed? What should I do if itching becomes difficult to control? Who should I call outside clinic hours?