Bile Duct Cancer

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic uses several procedures to diagnose bile duct cancer.

Ultrasound

Sound waves can be used to form images of the organs in the abdomen. Ultrasound is a noninvasive test to identify the presence of a tumor. Ultrasound is commonly performed by placing a probe on the surface of the abdomen. Intraoperative ultrasound is used during surgery to help surgeons locate areas of cancerous tissue within the biliary tract.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

CT scans generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body that reveal if cancer has invaded other tissues or organs. All CT scanners at Mayo Clinic use modern spiral CT technology, and several use multi-detector row spiral technology to produce superior images.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI technology produces precisely detailed images of the bile ducts, liver and tumor with magnetic field and radio waves.

Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA)

To perform fine-needle aspiration (FNA), a doctor administers local anesthetic before carefully guiding a small needle through the skin and abdomen into the bile ducts. Ultrasound or CT scans are used to help pinpoint the tumor so that a small sample can be removed.

A pathologist will then view cell samples under a microscope. When the tumor is growing in the portion of the bile ducts outside of the liver (extrahepatic portions), the fine-needle biopsy may not always be effective in diagnosing cancer. Other diagnostic tools can be used.

Advanced Cytologic Techniques

Mayo Clinic pathologists have advanced techniques to help diagnose cholangiocarcinoma. These techniques employ special methods to assess the DNA content of malignant cells.

Cholangiogram

A cholangiogram is an X-ray of the bile ducts. Often this test is performed using an endoscopic procedure. A long flexible tube is inserted through the mouth into the stomach and bile ducts. Dye is injected and X-rays are taken. This procedure can also be performed by inserting a needle through the skin of the abdomen.

Positron Emission Tomogram (PET)

Positron emission tomogram (PET) involves releasing radioisoptope-labeled sugar molecules into the blood stream. The PET scan is then used to see where the radioactive molecules have accumulated. Tumors typically pick up the sugar molecules, which appear as "hot spots" on the scan.