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Gallbladder Cancer

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Gallbladder Cancer Treatment & Diagnostics in Chirag Enclave, Delhi

Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer and is usually always detected in its late stages because it does not manifest with any clear signs and symptoms.

What are gallbladder cancer surgeries?

Gallbladder cancer surgeries can be of multiple types. Once a surgeon has established the extent or the stage of cancer, an appropriate method for treatment can be charted out. The surgery can be of two types: exploratory surgery and surgery for the removal of tumors.

It is necessary to know the extent to which gallbladder cancer has spread in the body depending on which the type of surgery can be decided.

Gallbladder cancer surgery can be divided into:

Resectable cancers - when your healthcare provider is certain that cancer can be completely cured by a surgical procedure, then the surgery needed is categorized as resectable cancer.

Unresectable cancers - these are usually the types of cancers that have metastasized.

To seek treatment, consult a cancer surgery doctor near you or a cancer surgery hospital near you.

How is gallbladder cancer diagnosed?

Gallbladder cancer is generally not detected at early stages because it presents with no signs or symptoms. However, certain tests are used to diagnose gallbladder cancer.

The usual tests and procedures that are performed include:

  • Blood tests
  • Liver function test&
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy
  • Laparoscopy
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • ERCP- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
  • PTC- percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography

Why is the procedure conducted?

Surgery can often prove to be one of the most effective ways of treating gallbladder cancer. There are usually a lot of other factors that help in determining if a person is ready for surgery, such as the overall health of a person or comorbidities.

In resectable gallbladder cancer, sometimes cancer has not spread far beyond the gallbladder. In case of cancer reaching a major blood vessel, surgery is not considered the right option. However, in situations where cancer has only affected a certain area, not deeply, then it is possible to remove cancerous cells. But if it has spread to other parts of the liver, particularly to the lining of the abdominal cavity or organs that are very far away from the gallbladder, then surgery is not deemed the right option.

In the case of unresectable gallbladder cancers, surgery is not deemed the best option. The treatment is usually charted out to control the cancer spread, for prolonging the life of a person, by using radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

What are the types of surgical treatments for an early stage of gallbladder cancer?

There are basically two types of surgical procedures:

Surgery to remove the gallbladder - this is usually resorted to when the cancer is just restricted to the gallbladder. This procedure is also called a cholecystectomy.

Surgery to remove the gallbladder and part of the liver - in multiple cases, where the gallbladder cancer is not just restricted to gallbladder but has spread beyond that to certain portions of the liver, this kind of surgery is performed.

What are the risks?

There are multiple risks that are associated with any surgical procedure. Discuss them with your surgeon.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chirag Enclave, Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Conclusion

The kind of cancer treatment options that are presented to a patient usually depends upon the stage of cancer, overall health and personal preference. At the end of the day, the goal is to eliminate gallbladder cancer, if possible, or control the spread.

Why is it difficult to trace gallbladder cancer in early stages?

It is significantly difficult to trace and diagnose a gallbladder cancer in its early stages because:

  • There are usually no signs and symptoms that are associated with the early stages of gallbladder cancer.
  • The symptoms, if and when present, resemble the symptoms of many other illnesses and conditions. The gallbladder is usually a structure that is anatomically hidden behind the liver.

What is a PTC or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography?

It is a procedure that is used to perform X-ray exams of the liver and the bile duct. A needle is used and inserted in the skin, into the liver, to inject a particular dye, after which an X-ray is performed.

What are the factors that affect the prognosis and treatment options?

  • Stage of cancer
  • Whether it can be removed by surgery
  • Type of gallbladder cancer
  • Recurrence

What are the different stages of gallbladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancer usually has multiple stages, which can be determined by tests and procedures.

  • Stage zero
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2
  • Stage 3
  • Stage 4

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