Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer develops in the gallbladder, the organ that stores bile. Bile is fluid that is produced by the liver to digest fat.

Factors that may increase the chance of developing gallbladder cancer include:

Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder
Polyps that grow on the inner wall of the gallbladder and may turn cancerous
Obesity

Symptoms of gallbladder cancer

Unfortunately, gallbladder cancer is hard to detect and does not usually present any symptoms until it is advanced. This is why we strongly recommend taking early detection tests to screen for cancer. Symptoms may include:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Pain above the stomach
A lump in the abdomen

Diagnosis of gallbladder cancer

CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen) or CA19-9 are two blood tests that may be elevated at diagnosis and help in following the patient’s response to treatment during and after therapy.
ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), which is a procedure used to examine and diagnose diseases of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.
Laparoscopic biopsy to obtain tissue samples in and around the liver for further study.
Endoscopic ultrasounds for more precise assessment of the tumor.
CT scan or MRI of the chest, abdomen and pelvis to assess whether the disease has spread to other areas of the body.

Treatment of gallbladder cancer at KHCC

Surgery is the first form of treatment in patients with early stage gallblader cancer. Most patients need chemotherapy and radiotherapy depending on the stage of the cancer.