Having tests
Not all symptoms are caused by cancer. Your GP or specialist will send you for tests to check what is causing your symptoms.
Your doctors should explain why you are having the tests and what they involve.
What you need to know
Reasons for tests
Your GP will examine you and send you for tests before you see a specialist. These initial tests are to see if your symptoms are caused by cancer or by something else.
If you do have a cancer, the specialist you see will probably send you for tests to find out more about it. This includes finding out the type of cells the cancer started in and whether it has spread.
Tests for bile duct cancer
Tests you may have to work out what is causing your symptoms include:
- physical examination
- blood tests that include liver function tests and tumour marker tests
- ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI
- magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- percutaneous trans-hepatic cholangiography (PTC)
- PET scan
- laparoscopy.
Biopsies for bile duct cancer
A biopsy is when a doctor removes a small piece of tissue from the area that might be cancer. A pathologist looks at this under a microscope to see if it is a cancer.
There are different ways of taking biopsies for bile duct cancer, including:
- during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- during endoscopic ultrasound
- during percutaneous trans hepatic cholangiography (PTC)
- fine needle aspiration with ultrasound or CT guidance
- during a laparoscopy.
These tests will be done in a hospital or special clinic. You may be given sedation or an anaesthetic.
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What to ask or talk about
Preparing for tests
Going for tests can make some people nervous, but knowing what to expect can help.
Your GP or specialist should tell you why you need each test and what it involves. Use our checklists to help you know what to ask.
Sometimes you need to contact the place where you are having the test for more information. This can include how to prepare for the test, how much it will cost and what you will get back from Medicare and your private health fund.
Ask how long it will take before you hear the results of the test.
Checklists
Next steps
Getting test results
It is normal to feel anxious when you are waiting for test results.
Your GP or specialist should tell you when the results will be ready and how you will find out about them. Usually you need to make an appointment to get the results.
It is a good idea to take someone with you when you go for this appointment.
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Cancer Council Mon-Fri 9am-5pm13 11 20
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Pancare Foundation1300 881 698
