Most people have no idea that they might have gallbladder cancer until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage. A gallbladder cancer diagnosis usually results in abdominal pain and a general loss of appetite. In addition, gallbladder cancer patients often experience jaundice, a condition in which the body produces excess bilirubin in the blood. This yellow coloring can cause intense itching and skin discoloration. Affected individuals will also experience gray or light colored stools, which is another sign that you may have gallbladder cancer.
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A biopsy is typically the only way to confirm a gallbladder cancer diagnosis. A biopsy requires a small sample of fluid or tissue to be removed and examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its size and its stage. The type of cancer and whether or not it has spread to nearby organs will also determine the treatment plan. Alternative treatments are also being tested in clinical trials.
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A doctor can perform a CT scan to see if the gallbladder has cancer. A CT scan uses X-rays to take pictures of organs in the body. A CT or CAT scan takes detailed pictures of internal organs. A diagnostic laparoscopy is another test that can detect gallbladder cancer. The doctor will insert a thin tube containing a camera into the abdomen. A cholangiogram may also be used to determine if the gallbladder is cancerous.
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There are several types of gallbladder cancer. The earliest form is called a carcinoma in situ. Stage three and four are considered advanced cancers. This cancer spreads throughout the body, including the lymph nodes and the liver. The American Joint Committee on Cancer uses the TNM staging system to grade cancer. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. In general, cancer cells are more likely to spread to distant organs.
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Besides gallstones, gallbladder cancer is another form of advanced liver disease. While it is rare, if the disease progresses, it may spread to the surrounding structures. This type of tumor can cause a lump on the right side of the abdomen. Some patients may also experience bloating in the abdomen. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor immediately.
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While it is not always possible to pinpoint the exact cause of gallbladder cancer, certain symptoms can help your doctor decide whether you have the disease. For example, right upper quadrant pain and a Courvoisier sign, both are signs of malignant obstruction. Additionally, a large mass in the abdomen and bowel obstruction may indicate gallbladder cancer. Although it is rare, symptoms associated with gallbladder cancer may include jaundice or cholecystitis, which may be confused with an unrelated condition. Other symptoms may include skin pruritus, cola-colored stools, and weight loss.
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Surgical resection is the only treatment option that can offer an effective cure for patients with advanced gallbladder cancer. A doctor may perform a diagnostic laparoscopy to further define the anatomy of the cancer prior to surgery. Higher T stages of the disease may warrant a combination of surgery involving the gallbladder and the portal lymph nodes. However, this type of surgery carries significant morbidity and a risk of bile duct cancer.
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While gallbladder cancer cannot be prevented, it can be diagnosed and treated early enough to improve your quality of life. Surgery can remove the gallbladder completely and remove the surrounding tissue. Other treatments may include chemotherapy and radiation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to the success of these treatments. The survival rate of gallbladder cancer depends on the stage of the disease. If caught early enough, surgery will be your best option.
