This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Investigations and diagnosis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Haematology:

  • anaemia
  • raised leucocyte count

Biochemistry - cholestatic picture:

  • raised serum bilirubin } levels may be
  • raised alkaline phosphatase } very high or
  • raised gamma glutamyl transpeptidase } may fluctuate
  • normal alpha-feto-protein

Faeces:

  • pale and fatty
  • occult blood may be present

Diagnostic procedures:

  • ultrasound - detects tumour mass, dilated ducts
  • ERCP - shows abrupt or irregular obstruction to contrast, usually at hilum; brush cytology may be taken for histology
  • percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC) - defines extent of tumour
  • CT / MRI - shows site of main bulk of tumour
  • angiography and venography - defines nature and extent of vascular involvement

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.