Gallbladder cancer is a condition where a growth of abnormal cells begins in the gallbladder.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen, tucked just beneath the liver. Its function is to store bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, which aids in the digestion of food.
Gallbladder cancer is considered relatively uncommon. The outlook for a cure is generally good if the cancer is discovered early, while it is small and confined to the gallbladder. However, most gallbladder cancers are often found when they have already grown beyond the organ, at which point the prognosis (chance of survival) is typically less favourable.
The cancer can often go undetected until an advanced stage because it may not cause any noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can be similar to those of many other common conditions. Furthermore, the gallbladder's hidden position deep inside the body allows the cancer to grow without being found easily.
In its early stages, gallbladder cancer may not cause any symptoms at all. When signs and symptoms do manifest, they can include:
Often felt predominantly in the upper right section of the abdomen.
Feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
A lump or mass that can be felt through the skin in the abdominal area.
Losing weight without making a concerted effort.
A yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This yellowing may be more difficult to notice on darker skin tones. Jaundice typically develops when the gallbladder cancer is at a very advanced stage.
The diagnostic process for gallbladder cancer usually begins with a thorough discussion about your symptoms with a doctor or healthcare professional. They may then utilise blood tests to assess how your vital organs, particularly the liver, are functioning, and employ various imaging tests to look for signs of cancer in the gallbladder.
Blood tests that check for liver function can help your specialist understand the cause of your symptoms.
Imaging modalities used to create detailed pictures of the gallbladder and surrounding area include:
Once a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer has been made, the next crucial step is to determine the extent of the cancer's spread, a process known as staging. The cancer stage is vital as it helps to inform your prognosis and guide your treatment options.
Tests and procedures that may be used for staging include:
Specialists may recommend procedures that involve injecting a dye into the bile ducts, followed by an imaging test to track its path. These tests help determine if the bile ducts are blocked and may include magnetic resonance cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
Most individuals with gallbladder cancer will undergo a series of scans, typically CT and MRI scans of the abdomen and chest, to help identify if the cancer has spread (metastasised).
If surgery is a potential treatment option, your specialist may first advise a procedure called laparoscopy. The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a tiny camera, allowing them to visually inspect the organs around the gallbladder for any signs of cancer spread.
The stages of gallbladder cancer range from 0 to 4. A lower stage number generally indicates a smaller cancer that is more likely to be curable.
Treatment for gallbladder cancer often involves surgical intervention. If the cancer has grown into neighbouring organs, surgery may not be possible. In such cases, treatment may commence with therapies like radiation or medicines such as chemotherapy. The best course of treatment is always determined by the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
Surgery is the primary treatment for gallbladder cancer that has not spread beyond the organ. Surgical options include:
Early-stage gallbladder cancer that is confined to the gallbladder is treated by removing the entire organ.
If the cancer has grown into the liver tissue, treatment may involve removing the gallbladder along with portions of the liver and the surrounding bile ducts.
If your cancer is small and can be entirely removed via cholecystectomy, you may not require any further treatments.
Chemotherapy involves using potent medicines to kill cancer cells. These medicines are typically administered through a vein, though some are available in tablet form. Chemotherapy may be suggested:
Radiation therapy treats cancer using powerful energy beams, such as X-rays or protons. It may be used:
Targeted therapy uses drugs designed to attack specific chemicals or genetic changes within the cancer cells, causing them to die. This treatment is only suitable for individuals whose cancer cells have certain specific, targetable changes, and tests are conducted to determine if this therapy is likely to be beneficial.
Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses medicines to help the body's own immune system recognise and eliminate cancer cells. Cancer cells can sometimes evade the immune system, and immunotherapy helps the immune system to find and destroy them. This treatment is typically employed for gallbladder cancers that have grown very large or have spread to other areas of the body.
SSCHRC specialists provide expert, personalised care for patients with gallbladder cancer.
At SSCHRC, a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists, work together to provide comprehensive care. Other professionals are included as required to meet your specific needs.
SSCHRC doctors have access to the latest treatment options to ensure you receive the precise care you need. This includes:
Your SSCHRC team considers all available treatment options, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy, and a variety of surgical procedures, including cholecystectomy and minimally invasive surgery.
SSCHRC surgeons are experts in abdominal surgery, capable of performing procedures ranging from the least invasive to the most extensive.
To guide treatment, your doctor may have your cancer cells tested to determine which systemic therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy) are most likely to be effective for you.
Radiation oncologists at SSCHRC use advanced techniques to precisely shape radiation beams. This allows for the highest possible radiation dose to be delivered to the target area while sparing nearby healthy tissue.
The world-class experts at SSCHRC offer an integrated team approach to cancer care. When you seek treatment at SSCHRC, you can expect: