After Treatment

After treatment for bile duct cancer ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your recovery for the coming months and years. People treated for bile duct cancer may be under medical supervision for several years because there is always a risk that the tumor will recur after treatment or that the person will develop another tumor after apparently successful surgery. Researchers are studying approaches to prevent both recurrence and the development of secondary or “new” tumors, but to date, there is no standard preventive treatment.

If the tumor was not removed by surgery and a stent or surgical bypass was used to relieve jaundice, the most important aspect of follow-up care is early recognition if and when the stent or bypass procedure is no longer effective in removing the blockage. If jaundice becomes worse (a deeper yellow), if a person becomes jaundiced again after the stent has originally cleared the blockage, or if a fever has developed along with sweating, shaking, or abdominal pain, a doctor should be consulted immediately, as the stent may need changing or repositioning.

A possible long-term side effect of treatment for bile duct cancer is the development of strictures after any surgery to the biliary system (bile ducts and gallbladder). These are slowly forming scars that are not cancerous, but may lead to a narrowing of the bile ducts and a recurrence of symptoms similar to those of the original bile duct cancer.

People treated for bile duct cancer are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. Moderate physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about Healthy Living After Cancer.

To learn about the terms used in this section, read the Cancer.Net Feature: Cancer Terms to Know: After Treatment.