Gallbladder Cancer

If tests indicate the cancer has spread, exploratory surgery may be performed so your surgeon can evaluate your gallbladder and surrounding organs. Tissue may be extracted for a biopsy during this procedure. The operation will also give your surgeon a more thorough understanding of where your cancer is and how to treat it as quickly as possible. Diagnostic, minimally invasive surgery is performed using small incisions and does not require an overnight stay. If surgeons discover tumors that need to be removed, they will be removed during the surgery. This may also help preserve the health of nearby organs and stop or slow the growth of the cancer.

In some cases, it may be necessary to remove your gallbladder to ensure the cancer doesn’t spread. Your surgeon may perform this procedure using small incisions and a tube called a laparoscope that has a tiny camera at its end. This lets your surgeon clearly see your organs during the operation. In addition to the gallbladder, nearby liver tissue and lymph nodes may be removed if the tumor has advanced or spread.

If you have been diagnosed with advanced gallbladder cancer, part of your liver may be removed.
 

If your cancer has spread, you may have chemotherapy to kill or slow the growth of the tumor. This can be given as intravenous (IV) or oral medication.

If your gallbladder cancer has spread, it’s common for it to impact your bile ducts and nearby organs. Your surgeon may suggest treatments to remove the tumor or organs to relieve pain. A common procedure is a radiofrequency ablation, which uses high-energy beams to heat and break down your tumor. 

Radiation is delivered directly to your gallbladder to slow or stop cancer growth. It is also used to help relieve pain and other symptoms of the cancer. This can be used before or after a surgical procedure as part of your treatment.