What is a common presenting symptom of cholangiocarcinoma?

Jaundice is a common presenting symptom of cholangiocarcinoma because this type of cancer arises in the bile ducts and can obstruct the flow of bile. When the bile ducts are obstructed, bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, accumulates in the bloodstream leading to jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin and the sclera (the whites of the eyes). Many patients with cholangiocarcinoma present with jaundice due to this mechanical blockage. This symptom is often one of the first noticeable signs that prompts further investigation into potentially underlying conditions, such as cancer of the bile ducts.

While weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain can also be associated with cholangiocarcinoma, they are generally more nonspecific symptoms that can occur in a variety of other conditions. Jaundice, however, is more directly linked to the disease's pathophysiological process and serves as a key indicator in clinical diagnosis.