When it comes to rare and aggressive cancers like gallbladder cancer, we know you may have a lot of questions about the disease. Our experts have researched gallbladder cancer and use the latest techniques to treat it. Gallbladder cancer only makes up about 1% of all cancer diagnoses, but it’s the most common cancer in the biliary system. At the OSUCCC – James, we want you to have all of the information you need to help you or a loved one understand the disease and treatment options.
What is gallbladder cancer?
The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid that helps the stomach digest fat. When food enters your stomach, the gallbladder releases bile into the intestines through a thin tube called the common bile duct. A system of ducts connects the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and small intestine. Some smaller ducts come together to form larger ducts.
Ducts inside the liver are called intrahepatic ducts. As the ducts exit the liver, they form the organ’s main duct, called the common hepatic duct. The gallbladder connects to the common hepatic duct through the cystic duct. Ducts outside of the liver are called extrahepatic ducts. Cancer can form in the gallbladder or these ducts when a tumor forms in them.
Most gallbladder and bile duct cancers are called adenocarcinomas. These types of cancers begin in cells that are like glands.
In general, both gallbladder and bile duct cancers are rare. More than 10,000 new cases of gallbladder and bile duct cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States and more than half of them occur in the gallbladder. Females assigned at birth are more likely than others to have this disease.
Bile duct cancer occurs even less in the population; these cancers account for less than one-third of all gallbladder cancers. Most people who are diagnosed with bile duct cancer are 70 years old or older.
What causes gallbladder cancer?
The gallbladder and these bile ducts are made up of cells. Cells in our body contain “instructions” called DNA to help them grow at a normal rate.
Over time, these cells can grow out of control and reproduce at an abnormal rate.
Cancer forms when these cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor (mass) in the gallbladder or bile ducts (can develop in both intrahepatic or extrahepatic ducts).
Researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes these cellular changes to occur or why the disease occurs in some and not others. A risk factor is anything that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing a disease. There are risk factors associated with gallbladder and bile duct cancers, but not everyone who is at risk will develop it. Some of the most common risk factors for gallbladder cancer include a history of gallstones, chronic gallbladder information and polyps. Researchers continue to try to understand the reasons why this cancer forms only in some who may have these conditions.
Gallbladder cancer symptoms
People who have gallbladder cancer usually have no signs or symptoms early in the disease; this is one of the reasons the disease is diagnosed in later stages.
It’s important to note that gallbladder and bile duct cancers share several symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders, so just because you have one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have the disease.
People with gallbladder cancer may experience:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Fever
- Pain in the upper stomach (abdomen) or lumps near the area
- Bloating/swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or fatigue
A person who has bile duct cancer might have the following symptoms:
- Yellow skin (jaundice)
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Itchy skin
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark-colored urine
If you notice any symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, see your doctor. They’ll perform an exam and may order additional testing to determine an exact cause of your symptoms.
Why choose the OSUCCC – James for gallbladder cancer treatment?
At the OSUCCC – James, our cancer experts specialize in treating rare cancers like gallbladder and bile duct cancer. Our team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, pharmacists and more work together using a multidisciplinary approach to treat these cancers.
Minimally invasive and robotic surgery options
Our surgeons are trained in surgical techniques to treat gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer using the latest technology, including minimally invasive and robotic approaches. These techniques reduce bleeding risk and postsurgical pain, aid faster recovery, decrease likelihood of infection and increase the likelihood of a shorter hospital stay. We want you to get back to daily living sooner and these approaches can help you do so.
Access to gallbladder cancer clinical trials
The OSUCCC – James has over 500 clinical trials open at any given time. There is more access to cancer clinical trials here than at nearly any other hospital in the region, as well as access to some of the most advanced, targeted treatments and drugs in review available. Your doctors will determine if you’re eligible to participate in a clinical trial.
If you have received a gallbladder or bile duct cancer diagnosis, we’re here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.