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Dr. Vikram J. Rao

Jaundice Explained: From Gallstones to Pancreatic Conditions

Jaundice, a yellow tinge to the skin and the whites of the eyes, happens when a substance called bilirubin builds up in the blood. It always needs a doctor's assessment, since the underlying cause can range from a blocked bile duct to liver or pancreatic conditions.

By Dr. Vikram J. Rao, updated 5 July 2026

What causes jaundice

Bilirubin is a normal by-product of the body breaking down old red blood cells, usually cleared by the liver and passed out via bile. Jaundice develops when this process is disrupted at some point along the way.

  • A gallstone blocking the bile duct
  • Inflammation or a tumour affecting the pancreas, which sits near the bile duct
  • Liver conditions that affect how bilirubin is processed
  • Narrowing or blockage of the bile duct from other causes

Symptoms that often go with jaundice

Alongside the yellow tinge, people often notice dark urine, pale or clay-coloured stool, itching, and sometimes abdominal pain, fever, or unexplained weight loss. Painless jaundice, yellowing without pain, is a pattern that always needs prompt assessment, since it can be associated with a blockage from a tumour in the bile duct or pancreas.

What to expect at a consultation

Blood tests and an ultrasound are usually the first step to see whether the bile duct is blocked and get a sense of the likely cause. Depending on the findings, further imaging such as a CT or MRI, and sometimes a procedure to clear a blocked duct, may be advised.

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. A blocked duct from a gallstone is managed very differently to a condition affecting the pancreas or liver, so an accurate diagnosis always comes first.

Frequently asked questions

Is jaundice always serious?

Jaundice is always worth a prompt medical assessment, since the cause can range from a straightforward gallstone to something needing more involved treatment. It should never be self-diagnosed or watched-and-waited without a doctor's input.

Can jaundice happen without pain?

Yes. Painless jaundice is a recognised pattern and is one of the reasons doctors take any new jaundice seriously enough to investigate promptly, regardless of whether pain is present.

Does jaundice always mean a problem with the liver?

Not necessarily. While the liver processes bilirubin, jaundice can also result from a blockage in the bile duct, for example from a gallstone or a condition affecting the pancreas, rather than a liver problem itself.

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