Living with Klatskin tumor
A cancer of the bile ducts at the spot where they leave the liver, usually found in adults.
Understanding Klatskin tumor
It is the most common type of cholangiocarcinoma, making up more than half of all cases. It is usually found in adults. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), belly pain, unintended weight loss, and feeling unwell.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Enlarged liver
- Blocked bile flow (cholestasis)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Belly pain
- Unintended weight loss
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and digestive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The cause is unknown. Studies suggest a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors (multifactorial) likely influences who develops cholangiocarcinoma.
Also known as: cholangiocarcinoma of hilar portion of hepatic duct; cholangiocarcinoma of perihilar bile duct; hilar cc; hilar cca; hilar cholangiocarcinoma; hilar portion of hepatic duct cholangiocarcinoma
Patient organizations
- Cholangiocarcinoma FoundationKlatskin tumor · United States
- American Cancer SocietyKlatskin tumor · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Klatskin tumor.
Explore research for Klatskin tumor
Explore actively recruiting Klatskin tumor studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Klatskin tumor with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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