Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose hilar cholangiocarcinoma include:

• Imaging tests, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Blood test for very high levels of the CA 19-9 tumor marker

• Biopsy using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or endoscopic ultrasound and specialized lab testing with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

  Doctors typically don't recommend collecting cells using a needle inserted through your skin and into your bile duct (transperitoneal biopsy). This technique increases the risk of cancer recurrence and may make you ineligible for a liver transplant.