Description
Gallbladder and bile duct cancers are the growth of abnormal cells in the gallbladder and/or the tubes that connect the gallbladder to the liver and intestines. These abnormal cells ultimately grow and produce a tumor, which can cause pain and/or the inability to drain bile. The chemical in bile called bilirubin backs up into the bloodstream and produces a characteristic yellow skin and eye coloring called jaundice. These cancers are rare. People with a higher risk of developing one of these cancers include those with liver fluke infections, sclerosing cholangitis, ulcerative colitis and cirrhosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include abdominal pain and swelling, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss. Some individuals experience itching and persistent fevers.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Blood tests will be ordered and the results will be evaluated for presence of disease. The diagnosis is often suspected based on an image tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. Ultimately, a tissue biopsy or removal of the gallbladder may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: tissue biopsy
Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Workup:
A history and physical will be performed. Blood tests will be ordered and the results will be evaluated for presence of disease. The diagnosis is often suspected based on an image tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. Ultimately, a tissue biopsy or removal of the gallbladder may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: tissue biopsy
Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Treatment
Treatment varies but may include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of treatments.