Gallbladder Cancer and Bile Duct Cancer Treatment
Call for an AppointmentDuke specialists in gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) use the latest medical and surgical advances to find and treat cancer at the earliest possible stage. We have the advanced training and expertise to perform complex surgeries, including liver and pancreatic surgeries, for tumors that have spread to other organs. We help you stay healthy and active while using a range of options to treat your gallbladder cancer or bile duct cancer.
The Best Care for Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer
Gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer, also known as biliary cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, can occur in any of the small tubes that carry bile, a substance that aids in digestion. These rare forms of cancer require a level of expertise and skill found only at major medical centers like Duke.
Our doctors and surgeons undergo advanced training in gastrointestinal cancer and specialize in treating cancers found in the gallbladder and/or bile duct. Our team includes surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, gastroenterologists, and pathologists. This comprehensive approach ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment options for your condition.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Tests
Blood Tests
Detect gallbladder and bile duct cancer and measure how well your gallbladder and bile duct are functioning.
Biopsy
A tissue sample may be removed and examined to determine if cancer is present.
Advanced Imaging Tests
CT, MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), and X-ray scans identify the stage, type, and location of gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer. The scans help your doctors recommend the most appropriate treatments for you.
Exploratory Surgery
If gallbladder cancer or bile duct cancer is suspected, exploratory surgery may be performed in place of a biopsy to ensure you are treated as quickly as possible.
Where you receive your cancer care is important. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our cancer program is nationally ranked, and the highest ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2021–2022.
Why Choose Duke
Nationally Ranked Program
We are a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and are part of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers dedicated to improving care for our patients.
North Carolina's Leader in Bile Duct, Liver, and Pancreatic Surgery
Cancers of the bile duct and gallbladder often require surgery of the liver and sometimes surgery of the head of the pancreas (Whipple procedure), depending on the stage and location of your cancer. These are complex surgical procedures that require a high level of experience and expertise. We perform these procedures more often than any other North Carolina hospital. Studies show that patients who undergo complex surgical procedures in major cancer centers like ours experience fewer surgical complications, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery.
An Experienced Team
While gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer are rare, our specialists have the training and experience to treat these cancers effectively. We see many people with these types of cancer each year. Our team includes specialists from medical and surgical oncology, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology, which allows us to offer you a full range of treatment options.
Relief From Jaundice
We use a range of specialized techniques to open blocked bile ducts and help relieve jaundice, including stent placement and surgery.
Support for You
Our comprehensive support services range from helping patients minimize the side effects of treatment to coping with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment. View our cancer support groups in our event calendar.