Bile duct cancer usually causes few symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage and has spread to other organs and tissues. However, people with this disease may experience the following symptoms or signs, often because a tumor is blocking a bile duct.

The following signs and symptoms may be caused by bile duct cancer or another condition. Check with your doctor if you experience any of them.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a condition is which the skin and the whites of the eyes become yellow, urine darkens, and the color of stool is lighter than normal. This can occur because a bile duct tumor has grown large enough to block the bile duct.

Very Itchy Skin

Intense itching can be caused by a buildup of bile salts and bilirubin that collects in the skin.

Loss of Appetite

Bile duct cancer may make it uncomfortable to eat or make you feel like you don’t want to eat at all.

Weight Loss

The loss of a significant amount of weight without trying can be a sign of many cancers, including bile duct cancer.

Fever

An increase in body temperature without any explanation can be an early sign of cancer, including bile duct cancer.

Belly Pain or Bloating

The pain or bloating typically occurs in the upper right part of the belly.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including bile duct cancer.