Diseases and Conditions
Hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Prevention
Coping and support
Preparing for an appointment
Overview
Diagnosis
Treatment
Causes
Cholangiocarcinoma occurs when cells in the bile ducts develop changes (mutations) in their DNA — the material that provides instructions for every chemical process in your body. DNA mutations cause changes in the instructions. One result is that cells may begin to grow out of control and eventually form a tumor — a mass of cancerous cells. It's not clear what causes the genetic mutations that lead to cancer.