Gallbladder cancer
What is it?
The gallbladder is an organ that sits just under the liver and stores digestive fluid that the liver produces.
Gallbladder cancer is typically uncommon, however when someone is diagnosed, they are usually diagnosed in advance stages of the cancer because it shows no symptoms.
What are the types?
The most common type of gallbladder cancer is adenocarcinoma. This begins in the inner lining of the gallbadder and then will eventually grow outside the organ and into others in the body.
Who's most at risk?
Gallbladder cancer is more common among older females, people with a history of
- gallstones
- gallbadder diseases
- inflammation of the bile ducts
Diagnosis & Treatment
To diagnose gallbladder cancer the medical professional will perform a liver function blood test and may also order an imaging scan, such as a CT or MRI to examine the organ. If gallbladder cancer is confirmed, the doctor might do further tests to see the extent of which the cancer has spread.
In early stages of gallbladder cancer the gallbladder and in some cases, part of the liver, can be surgically removed with no other treatment is needed. Other treatment that might be considered includes
Targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy options are usually used in advanced cases of gallbladder cancer. For advanced cases there are also clinical trials available if the cancer isn't responding to other forms of treatment, so be sure to ask your doctor if you think this might be right for you.
What is it?
The gallbladder is an organ that sits just under the liver and stores digestive fluid that the liver produces.
Gallbladder cancer is typically uncommon, however when someone is diagnosed, they are usually diagnosed in advance stages of the cancer because it shows no symptoms.
What are the types?
The most common type of gallbladder cancer is adenocarcinoma. This begins in the inner lining of the gallbadder and then will eventually grow outside the organ and into others in the body.
Who's most at risk?
Gallbladder cancer is more common among older females, people with a history of
- gallstones
- gallbadder diseases
- inflammation of the bile ducts
Diagnosis & Treatment
To diagnose gallbladder cancer the medical professional will perform a liver function blood test and may also order an imaging scan, such as a CT or MRI to examine the organ. If gallbladder cancer is confirmed, the doctor might do further tests to see the extent of which the cancer has spread.
In early stages of gallbladder cancer the gallbladder and in some cases, part of the liver, can be surgically removed with no other treatment is needed. Other treatment that might be considered includes
Targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy options are usually used in advanced cases of gallbladder cancer. For advanced cases there are also clinical trials available if the cancer isn't responding to other forms of treatment, so be sure to ask your doctor if you think this might be right for you.
Symptom list:
Gallbladder cancer
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
