Bile duct cysts
Overview
Bile duct cysts: The formation of a cyst (dilation or swelling) in the bile duct which can obstruct the flow of bile and result in jaundice.
Symptoms
* Recurring jaundice * Bile duct obstruction * Pale stool * Abdominal discomfort * Increased risk of biliary tract cancer
Causes
If the cyst is not removed at the time of surgery then this exposes the patient to future development of bile duct cancer in the wall of the cyst. The incidence of cancer in a choledochal cyst is twenty times greater than that in the general population. 14% to 18% of the adult population with a choledochal cyst will develop cancer in a cyst if the cyst is not removed and, as the patient ages by the age of 50 up to 50% of patients will have cancer in the cyst.