Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer

Our Approach

The gallbladder, bile ducts and liver make up the biliary system. This system is our body’s filter and when cancer cells grow within the gallbladder or bile ducts, treatment is necessary. Once diagnosed, our team of oncologists and surgeons create a personalized treatment plan based on the diagnosis. Diagnosis can include blood testing, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound, and/or CT (computed tomographic) scans.

Treatment varies based on diagnosis but often includes surgical removal of the gallbladder and bile ducts, chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.

What is gallbladder cancer? 

Gallbladder cancer is the growth of malignant cells that start in the gallbladder.

What is bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)?

Bile duct cancer is a growth of malignant cells that start in the bile ducts (or tubes) that drain bile from the liver and can be classified as intrahepatic or extrahepatic. 
Intrahepatic bile duct cancer occurs in the tubes that are located within the liver. This type is typically more difficult to diagnose and has less symptoms. 
Extrahepatic bile duct cancer occurs in the tubes that are outside the liver.
 

What are the symptoms of gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer? 

While it’s not uncommon for these cancers to be found incidentally after gallbladder removal and pathology testing, gall bladder and bile duct cancer symptoms typically include:

• Elevated bilirubin levels causing jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) 
• Unexplained weight loss
• Upper right abdominal pain 
• Dark urine
• Extremely itchy skin

In early stages of the disease, there are likely no signs or symptoms at all.

How do I get connected to care?

Gallbladder and bile duct cancer are often found after a patient visits the emergency room for jaundice or one of the other symptoms above. Once suspected by an emergency room physician, primary care provider, or gastroenterologist, a patient would be referred to an oncologist who specializes in biliary system cancers.