Treatment of Gallbladder Cancer
What is gallbladder cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is a rare cancer that begins in the tissues of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is the organ that stores bile, which is a fluid that helps the liver digest fat. Although rare, gallbladder cancer represents almost 50% of biliary tract cancers. Gallbladder cancer can be difficult to diagnose because people rarely have signs or symptoms in the early stages. Gallbladder cancer can even be diagnosed once the gallbladder is removed because symptoms often mimic that of having gallstones.
What causes gallbladder cancer?
Gallbladder cancer happens when healthy cells mutate into malignant cells that grow and multiply. This occurs when there are changes within the genetic material over time. You don’t inherit the genetic mutations from biological parents.
What are the risk factors for gallbladder cancer?
Within the United States, gallbladder cancer is more common among certain groups, including individuals who are:
- Female.
- American Indian, Alaskan native or Mexican American.
- Over the age of 65.
Additional risk factors may include any or all of the following:
- A personal history of gallstones.
- Gallbladder polyps.
- Chronic gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Chronic Salmonella typhi infection.
- A build-up of calcium deposits in the gallbladder (porcelain gallbladder).
- Chronic inflammation of the bile ducts.
- Cysts in the common bile duct.
- Obesity.
What are the signs or symptoms of gallbladder cancer?
In early stages of gallbladder cancer, symptoms do not show up; however, when symptoms do appear, they are similar to those of symptoms with common conditions, like gallstones or a blockage in the bile duct. Symptoms or signs of gallbladder cancer may include the following:
- Upper abdominal pain.
- Yellowed skin or yellowed whites of the eyes (jaundice).
- Lumps in the abdomen.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Bloating.
- Fever.
What tests are utilized to diagnose gallbladder cancer?
In early stages of gallbladder cancer, there are rarely signs or symptoms. If a health care provider suspects gallbladder cancer, additional tests may be performed such as:
- Lab tests: Used to detect substances in your blood that indicate cancer, such as liver function test, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay, and CA 19-9 assay.
- Imaging tests: Utilized to look for signs of cancer and if cancer has spread with imaging like an abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Surgeries: Allow health care providers to access tissues that may be cancerous with surgeries, like a biopsy or laparoscopy.
What are treatment options for gallbladder cancer?
Treatment for gallbladder cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination. Speaking with a cancer expert will allow you to find the best treatment option for you. The Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute design individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s age, tumor type, tumor quantity, and tumor location.
Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer. When it comes to world-class cancer care close to home, look no further than Karmanos.
Information includes gallbladder cancer, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.