The gallbladder is the small organ located under the liver that stores and secretes bile into the small intestine by way of the bile duct. Gallbladder cancer is an abnormal growth that begins in the lining of the gallbladder. The most common predisposing factor associated with gallbladder cancer is chronic inflammation and/or gallstones, although less than one percent of people with gallstones go on to develop gallbladder cancer.
Symptoms
Gallbladder cancer can go undetected until late stages due to a lack of specific symptoms that alarm patients and healthcare providers. Subtle symptoms associated with gallbladder cancer include taste disturbances and nausea. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
Pain above the stomach.
Fever.
Nausea and vomiting.
Bloating.
Lumps in the abdomen.
Diagnosis
One or more of the following methods may be used to diagnose gallbladder cancer:
Clinical examination. Your doctor looks for yellowing of the complexion, known as jaundice.
Bloodwork. Your doctor looks for subtle changes in liver function tests.
Cross-section imaging with computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both tests detect abnormalities related to gallbladder cancer. They also help healthcare providers determine eligibility for resection.
Fine needle aspiration or biopsy. Tissue or fluid is removed with a needle for examination under a microscope.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).These advanced imaging technologies take pictures of the gastrointestinal tract. EUS combines endoscopy with the imaging capabilities of ultrasound to get high-quality images of organs deep inside the body. ECRP, a minimally invasive imaging procedure, can diagnose conditions of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. This is particularly helpful when gallbladder cancer is causing jaundice.
Genetic counseling. You and your doctor discuss your personal and family medical history of certain gastrointestinal conditions and the possibility of genetic testing.
Genetic testing. Your doctor identifies specific genetic factors that increase your risk for developing gastrointestinal cancers.
Treatment
Certain factors affect the prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
The stage of the cancer (whether the cancer has spread from the gallbladder to other places in the body).
Whether the cancer can be completely removed by surgery.
The type of gallbladder cancer (how the cancer cell looks under a microscope).
Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
Treatment may also depend on the age and general health of the patient and whether the cancer is causing signs or symptoms.
Our multidisciplinary team provides a full range of treatment options.
Surgery. Cancer is removed in an operation.
Chemotherapy. Destroys cancer cells with special medicine.
Radiation therapy. Uses high energy, penetrating waves or particles to destroy cancer cells and/or prevent their growth.
Stent placement. A support device is placed in the gastrointestinal tract to keep it from closing.
Palliative care. Improves quality of life, with relief from pain and other symptoms.
