• Cirrhosis
• Viral Hepatitis
• Portal Hypertension
• Liver Tumors
• Endocrine Tumors
• Liver Transplant
• Mediastinal Lesions/Masses
• Bile Duct Cancer
• Bile Duct Disorders (Noncancerous)
• Gallstones
• Obstructive Jaundice
• Ampullary Lesions and Cancers

What symptoms are associated with this cancer?

Cholangiocarcinoma is a cancer of the bile ducts, which carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. The cancer often blocks the duct, causing symptoms such as jaundice, fever, itching, loss of appetite, weight loss, upper abdominal pain radiating into the back, and chills.

How is this cancer diagnosed?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed by our Advanced Interventional Endoscopy Team to diagnose cholangiocarcinoma:

• Imaging tests such as CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary sampling
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with FNA
• Choledochoscopy
• Probe-based confocal endomicroscopy
• Narrow band imaging of the bile duct

What treatments are available?

Surgery to remove the tumor is a common treatment for cholangiocarcinoma and can cure some patients. If the tumor is very large, the entire liver may need to be removed, and the patient will need a liver transplant. NewYork-Presbyterian has a distinguished track record for liver transplantation and features a team of world-renowned leaders in the field. The Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation offers a seamless integration of services, using both deceased and living donor liver tissue and minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques whenever possible to achieve excellent outcomes.

Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be given after surgery to decrease the risk of the cancer returning. However, the benefits of these treatments are not certain.

Our endoscopy specialists employ novel technologies to treat bile duct cancers, including:

• ERCP with stent placement
• ERCP guided by EUS to relieve obstructions in the bile ducts caused by cholangiocarcinoma, and to relieve jaundice in patients when the tumor cannot be removed
• Laser therapy combined with light-activated chemotherapy medications (photodynamic therapy)
• Radiofrequency ablation

For more about these procedures, visit the Advanced Interventional Endoscopy page.

How can I make an appointment to see an advanced endoscopist?

Our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating bile duct cancer. An interdisciplinary team of gastrointestinal specialists in endoscopy, radiology, and surgery work together as a team to provide each patient with coordinated, advanced, and individualized care. Please contact our Advanced Interventional Endoscopy team to discuss your case.