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Symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Cholangiocarcinoma most often develops in older people around 60 years of age, somewhat more often in men.
Usually the first manifestation of cholangiocarcinoma is jaundice, followed by itching - this distinguishes the tumor from primary biliary cirrhosis. If only one main hepatic duct is affected, jaundice may develop at a later stage. The serum bilirubin level always increases, but in almost 50% of patients, jaundice periodically disappears.
The pain is usually moderate, localized in the epigastric region and is observed in approximately one third of cases. Steatorrhea is observed. Weakness and weight loss are significantly expressed.
Cholangiocarcinoma can be combined with chronic ulcerative colitis and often develops against the background of prolonged cholestasis caused by sclerosing cholangitis.
Inspection data.Jaundice is intense. Fever usually develops in the terminal stage. Cholangitis, unless surgery, endoscopic or percutaneous interventions on the biliary tract have been performed, is rare.
The liver is large, its edge is smooth, protrudes from under the costal arch by 5-12 cm. The spleen is not palpable. Ascites is rare.
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