Bile Duct Cancer
Bile duct cancer arises from the cells that line the bile ducts, the drainage system for bile that is produced by the liver. Bile ducts collect this bile, draining it into the gallbladder and finally into the small intestine where it aids in the digestion process. Bile duct cancer is also called cholangiocarcinoma.

Bile duct cancer is a rare form of cancer, with approximately 2,500 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. There are three general locations where this type of cancer may arise within the bile drainage system:

Within the liver (intrahepatic) affecting the bile ducts located within the liver

Just outside of the liver (extrahepatic or perihilar) located at the notch of the liver where the bile ducts exit

Far outside of the liver (distal extrahepatic) near where the bile ducts enter the intestine (called the ampulla of Vater)