Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that lies just under the liver in the upper abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid made by the liver to digest fat. When food is being broken down in the stomach and intestines, bile is released from the gallbladder through a tube called the common bile duct, which connects the gallbladder and liver to the first part of the small intestine.
- Mucosal (inner) layer.
- Muscularis (middle, muscle) layer.
- Serosal (outer) layer.
Between these layers is supporting connective tissue. Primary gallbladder cancer starts in the inner layer and spreads through the outer layers as it grows. Generally, gall bladder cancer doesn't cause symptoms.
However, it can sometimes cause pain in the right side above the liver. People with gall bladder cancer may also have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness and jaundice.
Jaundice also can cause dark urine and black tarry stools. Other signs include, poor appetite, bloating and weight loss.
Diagnosis of Gallbladder Cancer
Physical Examination and History : An examination of the body is done to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
Liver Function Tests: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by the liver.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Assay: A test that measures the level of CEA in the blood. CEA is released into the bloodstream from both cancer cells and normal cells.
CT Scan (CAT Scan):A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, such as the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, taken from different angles.
Ultrasound Exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. An abdominal ultrasound is done to diagnose gallbladder cancer.
PTC (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography): It is a radiologic technique used to visualize the anatomy of the biliary tract. A contrast medium is injected into a bile duct in the liver, after which X-rays are taken. It allows access to the biliary tree in cases where endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been unsuccessful.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): ERCP can be performed for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. The technique combines the use of endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat certain problems of the liver, gall bladder, pancreas and the common bile and pancreatic duct. Through the endoscope, the physician can see the inside of the stomach and duodenum, and inject radiographic contrast into the ducts in the biliary tree and pancreas so they can be seen on X-rays.
Biopsy:The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.
Laparoscopy:This is a small operation that allows the doctors to look at the gall bladder, the liver and other internal organs in the area around the gall bladder. It is done under a general anesthesia and means a shorter stay in hospital.
Highly Advanced Gallbladder Cancer Treatment at Super Speciality Hospitals in India
Surgery : If the tumor is resectable, surgery is usually the main type of treatment for gallbladder cancer.
Surgical Biliary Bypass: If the tumor is blocking the bile duct and bile is building up in the liver, a biliary bypass may be done. During this operation, the gallbladder or bile duct will be cut and sewn to the small intestine to create a new pathway around the blocked area.
Endoscopic Stent Placement: If the tumor is blocking the bile duct, nonsurgical techniques can be used to put in a stent (a thin, flexible tube) to drain bile that has built up in the area. The stent may be placed through a catheter that drains to the outside of the body or the stent may go through the blocked area and drain the bile into the small intestine.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage :A Procedure done to drain bile when there is a blockage and endoscopic stent placement is not possible. An X-ray of the liver and bile ducts is done to locate the blockage. Images made by ultrasound are used to guide placement of a stent, which is left in the liver to drain bile into the small intestine or a collection bag outside the body. This procedure may be done to relieve jaundice before surgery.
Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy the cancer cells. Chemotherapy may occasionally be used after surgery if all the cancer couldn't be removed by the operation. It may also be used if an operation isn't possible or the cancer has come back (recurred) after initial treatment.
Radiotherapy :Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy x-rays that destroy the cancer cells while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells. It is occasionally used for cancer of the gall bladder. It can either be given externally from a radiotherapy machine or internally by placing radioactive material close to the tumour (brachytherapy).
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) :PDT uses a combination of laser light and a light-sensitive drug to destroy cancer cells. In gall bladder cancer it can be used to help relieve symptoms. The light-sensitive drug is injected into a vein. It circulates in the bloodstream and enters cells throughout the body. The drug enters more cancer cells than healthy cells.
World’s Most Advanced Robotic Surgery for Gallbladder Cancer
Single-Site da Vinci Surgery is minimally invasive - performed through a single small incision using state-of-the-art technology. This procedure is performed using the da Vinci Surgical System. da Vinci is a state-of-the-art robotic surgical platform that translates your surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of instruments inside your body. da Vinci’s vision system provides your surgeon with 3D-HD visualization allowing for enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. During the entire procedure, your surgeon is 100% in control of the da Vinci System.
- Minimal Scarring
- Minimal Pain.
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- Short Hospital Stay.
- High Patient Satisfaction.
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