There are no specific findings on physical examination. Even if the findings associated with bile duct cancer are present, other explanations are far more likely. Findings may include:
• Jaundice .
• Fever.
• Tender mass below the ribs on the right side of the abdomen.
• Enlarged, hard lymph nodes .
• Swelling of the legs (edema) and fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
Blood and Other Tests
Diagnostic tests are usually done to determine the cause of jaundice. These tests may lead to the diagnosis of bile duct cancer, but a simple gallstone or other illnesses can cause the same problems and are much more likely to be the cause of the jaundice.
• A complete blood count may reveal a decrease in hemoglobin (anemia). A normal white blood cell count makes
an infection in the bile duct (cholangitis) less likely, but an increased white count raises the likelihood of
infection or cancer.
• Liver function tests may be abnormal, with the likeliest abnormalities being in the serum bilirubin and alkaline
phosphatase, reflecting a blockage of flow within the bile duct.
