(HealthDay News) - Jaundice occurs when excess bilirubin builds up in the liver, causing the skin and whites of the eyes to develop a yellowish tint. Bilirubin is produced when hemoglobin from red blood cells is broken down by the body.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these possible causes of jaundice:

  • A tumor or gallstone obstructing a bile duct.
  • Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
  • A narrowing of a bile duct.
  • Cirrhosis of the liver.
  • Pancreatic cancer.
  • Insufficient blood supply to the liver.
  • Congenital defects affecting bilirubin production.
  • Malaria.