Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosis

How is gallbladder cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing gallbladder cancer usually starts with a discussion with your health care provider about your symptoms and a physical exam. They may want you to have a blood test to check your liver function and look for tumor markers.

Your provider may recommend these imaging tests to see the inside of the gallbladder and nearby tissues. Some of the most common diagnostic tests for gallbladder cancer include:

• Abdominal ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the gallbladder and spot any concerns. This type is performed through your abdomen. It’s usually the first test your provider will suggest. This test is non-invasive and takes about an hour.
• CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan creates detailed images to help identify tumors, check their size and see if they’ve spread. This test provides more detail than an ultrasound and is non-invasive.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces high-resolution images of the liver, bile ducts and gallbladder. This provides the most detailed description of the gallbladder and bile ducts.  This test is non-invasive and can take several hours. 
• Endoscopic ultrasound and ERCP: These are endoscopic tests performed by inserting a camera into your body through your mouth.   
  • Endoscopic ultrasound involves using a thin camera with an ultrasound at the end of it that provides a view of the gallbladder and surrounding structures.  Biopsies can be performed using this device.   
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combines an endoscope with X-rays to show the bile ducts and check for blockages. This procedure can help relieve blockages and perform biopsy.  These tests are invasive requiring light or general anesthesia. These are typically same-day procedures.

Using a combination of these tests, your health care provider can typically diagnose a gallbladder cancer.

Gallbladder cancer staging

Imaging and lab results determine how far the cancer has spread. With this information, your provider can identify its stage. Staging is usually done at the same time as diagnosis.

There are five stages of gallbladder cancer, depending on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread. It usually starts in the inner layers of the gallbladder and spreads to the outer layers, then to the liver and bile ducts. It can spread to other parts of your body through the lymphatic system or the blood.

• Stage 0: Abnormal, precancerous cells are in the inner layer of the gallbladder. This stage is called carcinoma in situ.
• Stage 1: The cancer has not spread past the gallbladder lining and is considered local.
• Stage 2: The cancer has grown into the muscles of the gallbladder wall and is still considered local.
• Stage 3: The cancer has spread to the adjacent liver or lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: The cancer has spread further in the body, such as to distant parts of the liver or lungs.

Treatment options vary based on gallbladder cancer stages. When cancer is detected earlier, more treatment options are available.

For earlier stages of gallbladder cancer (stages 1,2 and 3), surgery is usually recommended and may be curative. For late or advanced stage gallbladder cancer (stages 4), chemotherapies or radiation therapies are tailored to the specific cancer type.

Why choose Banner MD Anderson for gallbladder cancer diagnosis?

At Banner MD Anderson, our skilled team of cancer specialists use cutting-edge imaging techniques and comprehensive lab testing to make sure you get an accurate diagnosis possible. Our specialized team of radiologists, gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists work together to create a personalized care plan based on your diagnosis.

After a diagnosis, it’s important to understand your treatment options. Learn about gallbladder cancer treatments and support services. 

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