Gallbladder Cancer

When it comes to the best gallbladder cancer care in Ahmedabad, early detection and a range of effective treatment options are crucial. Gallbladder cancer can be challenging to diagnose in its initial stages, making expert care and advanced diagnostic techniques essential. The best gallbladder cancer care in Ahmedabad ensures patients receive the most comprehensive and effective treatments available.

  • Gallbladder Cancer Is A Rare Form Of Cancer That Often Doesn’t Cause Signs Or Symptoms In The Early Stages.

  • You’re More At Risk Of Gallbladder Cancer If You Have Conditions Like Gallstones Or Gallbladder Inflammation.

  • Most Cases Aren’t Caught Until It Has Spread and The Prognosis Is Poor.

  • Gallbladder Cancer Begins In The Innermost Layer Of Your Gallbladder, Called The Mucosal Layer, and Spreads Outward.

Symptoms Of Gallbladder Cancer

  • Difficult To Detect In Early Stages
  • Upper Abdominal Pain.
  • Yellowed Skin and Yellowed Whites Of Your Eyes (Jaundice).
  • Lumps In Your Abdomen.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss.
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Fever

Risk Factors Of Gallbladder Cancer

  • Gallstones Or A History Of Gallstones.
  • Gallbladder Polyps
  • Chronic (Long-Term) Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis).
  • Chronic Salmonella Typhi Infection (The Bacteria That Causes Typhoid).
  • A Build-Up Of Calcium Deposits In Your Gallbladder (Porcelain Gallbladder).
  • Chronic Inflammation In Your Bile Ducts (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis).
  • Cysts In Your Common Bile Duct (Choledochal Cysts)
  • Obesity

Diagnosis Of Gallbladder Cancer

Done Using Imaging Studies and Other Tests Like Blood Tests Are Required To Support The Diagnosis

Blood Tests:-

  • Liver Function Test

  • CEA

  • CA 19-9

Imaging Tests:-

Not All Tests Are Required In All Patients But That Depends On Case To Case Basis

  • USG Abdomen

  • CECT Abdomen

  • MRCP

  • EUS

  • ERCP

Treatment Of Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer treatment varies based on the stage of the cancer and the overall health of the patient. Here are the main treatment options:

Early-Stage Resectable Gallbladder Cancer

When gallbladder cancer is detected at an early stage and is considered resectable (able to be surgically removed), surgery is the primary treatment option.

  • Surgery: The main goal is to remove the cancerous tissue. This may involve:
    • Cholecystectomy: Removal of the gallbladder.
    • Extended (or Radical) Cholecystectomy: In addition to removing the gallbladder, parts of the liver and lymph nodes near the gallbladder are also removed to ensure that all cancerous cells are eliminated.

Metastatic, Unresectable Gallbladder Cancer

For advanced gallbladder cancer that has spread (metastasized) and cannot be removed through surgery, treatment focuses on controlling the cancer and relieving symptoms.

  • Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be used to shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and improve survival rates.
  • Radiotherapy: Uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It can be used in combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) or alone to relieve symptoms.
  • Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs that specifically target cancer cell molecules to stop their growth and spread. This therapy can be less harmful to normal cells compared to chemotherapy.
  • Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to help fight cancer. It can be used for advanced gallbladder cancer to improve survival rates and quality of life.
  • Palliative Care: Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced cancer. This may include pain management, nutritional support, and other supportive care measures.

Clinical Trials

Patients with gallbladder cancer may also consider participating in clinical trials, which can provide access to new and experimental treatments. Clinical trials help researchers discover more effective ways to treat cancer and can be a valuable option for patients at all stages of the disease.

Supportive Therapies

In addition to the primary treatments, patients may benefit from supportive therapies to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include:

  • Nutritional Support: Helps manage weight loss and maintain strength.
  • Pain Management: Effective control of pain through medications and other therapies.
  • Psychological Support: Counseling and support groups to help cope with the emotional aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment.