Symptoms of bile duct cancer explained after TikTok star Sydney Towle dies aged 26

Sydney Towle's family have paid tribute to their 'endless ray of sunshine' after the TikTok influencer passed away aged 26.

Sydney was diagnosed with a rare form of bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, at the age of 23, and documented her life living with the disease on social media.

Her family announced earlier today (August 6) that she'd sadly died on Wednesday (August 5).

“We will always love you so much Sydney,” a caption to the social media post read. “I am so proud of how hard you fought. I love you.”

Sydney's brother, Austin Towle, also posted a photograph of his sibling smiling and posing on a mountain peak.

He penned: “Rest in Peace Sydney Elizabeth Towle. November 15th 1999-August 5th 2026.

Sydney Towle died earlier this week (TikTok/@austin_towle)

“An endless ray of sunshine. A daughter, sister, and friend to so many.”

The same photo was posted to Sydney's account and included a video of Austin and Sydney's mother sharing a few words.

Austin said: "Hi everybody, we just wanted to let you know that Syd went peacefully last night after an almost three year long battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.

"She fought really hard and we're so proud of her and we thank you for your support over the years."

While the TikToker's mom added: "We love you an thank you for all your kind messages of support and love. We really appreciate it.

"She will not be forgotten."

While bile duct cancer can occur at any age, the Mayo Clinic explains that its most common in individuals over the age of 50.

Doctors divide the cancer into three different types: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and distal cholangiocarcinoma. This divide is based on where the cancer occurs.

What are the symptoms of bile duct cancer?

Sydney was diagnosed with cancer aged 23 (TikTok/@sydtowle)

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of the disease can include:

• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes
• Intensely itchy skin
• White-colored stools
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain on the right side, just below the ribs
• Losing weight without trying
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Dark urine

Bile duct cancer is often referred to as the 'silent killer' because it can grow inside the body without any obvious symptoms.

Meanwhile, Mayo Clinic explains that the type of cancer is typically diagnosed when it's advanced, which means 'successful treatment [is] difficult to achieve'.

In May, Sydney appeared at Miami Swim Week where she modelled a specially designed swimsuit tailored for her surgical scars.

Sydney on the Miami Swim Week runway earlier this year (Thomas Concordia/Getty Images for Miami Swim Week: The Shows)

Speaking of the 'proud' moment in a TikTok video, Sydney explained: “People always ask why I’m so positive?

“Why would I not envision the best-case scenario?

“Miracles happen every day. Nobody knows for sure what’s going to happen.”

Her last TikTok video was uploaded on July 29, where she expressed her delight at her favorite band, Royel Otis, dedicating a track to her in a recent gig.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.