Description
Gallbladder cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the gallbladder. These abnormal cells ultimately grow and produce a tumor. This cancer is rare. It's more likely to occur in women compared to men and in people with gallstones.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is often suspected from results of imaging 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, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Magnetic resonance cholangiography, tumor marker CA 19-9
Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. The diagnosis is often suspected from results of imaging 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, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Lipase, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Magnetic resonance cholangiography, tumor marker CA 19-9
Specialists:
General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the size and location of the cancer. A combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used.