Cancer of the gallbladder

Description

Cancer of the gallbladder – disease, wherein gallbladder cancer cells formed. This is a relatively rare form of cancer. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ. It It stored in the liver and bile comprises, needed in the digestive system. Bile – liquid greenish-yellow, produced by the liver, and aids in the digestion of fats.

Cancer occurs, when the cells of the organism (In this case, the cells of gallbladder) begin randomly divided. The result is a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Causes of gallbladder cancer

Causes of gallbladder cancer is unknown.

Risk factors for gallbladder cancer

Factors, which increase the risk of gallbladder cancer:

• Paul: female;
• Gallstones or chronic inflammation of the gall bladder, including calcification (calcification) gallbladder (Porcelain gall bladder);
• Typhoid fever or chronic salmonella infection (chronic salmonellosis);
• Physical abnormalities of the gallbladder and ducts, such as the bile duct cysts or polyps of the gallbladder;
• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as nitrosamines and dimetilazobenzen, used in the production of metals and rubber.

Besides, women are more likely to develop cancer of the gallbladder, than men. Also, most gallbladder cancer occurs in older people.

Symptoms of gallbladder cancer

The symptoms in the early stages of gallbladder cancer often do not appear. As the disease progresses the symptoms often appear, associated with obstruction of the bile. They include:

• Abdominal pain;
• Pain in the upper back (called the reflected pain);
• Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes, skin, under the tongue).

Other symptoms may include:

• Nausea and / or vomiting;
• Loss of appetite;
• Weight loss;
• Enlarged liver and spleen;
• Increased abdominal girth.

Diagnosis of gallbladder cancer

Cancer of the gallbladder is often difficult to diagnose, because:

• The disease often causes no early symptoms;
• The symptoms are often similar to other diseases of the gallbladder (eg, gallstones);
• The gallbladder is hidden between other organs in the abdominal cavity.

Cancer of the gallbladder is sometimes found during abdominal surgery for another reason.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Necessary tests may include:

• Blood tests – tests to check levels of bilirubin (component of bile) and liver enzymes;
• US – examination, which uses sound waves to study the internal organs, in this case, gallbladder and bile ducts. The doctor will examine the gallbladder and the ultrasonic sensor can see stones inside; stones often can mask the presence of cancer;
• Computed tomography of the abdomen – X-ray views, which uses computer, to take pictures of internal organs, in this case, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and surrounding tissues. CT scan can help determine the calcination of the gallbladder or the presence of calcium deposits. This disease is called “Porcelain gall bladder” and it may be caused by the growth of cancer cells. CT is also useful for determining stapeni cancer spread to the lymph nodes or liver (The two most common places spread gallbladder cancer);
• Kholangiografiya – invasive test, which uses X-rays and a large needle, that is inserted into the liver to study the gallbladder and bile ducts. The needle can be used for selecting cells of the bile ducts, that can help in the diagnosis of cancer;
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERKhPG) – test, which combines X-ray and endoscopy. The procedure is performed to examine the duodenum (the initial part of the small intestine), bile duct and pancreatic duct. It can also be used for selecting cells for diagnosing cancer;
• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the body.

To definitively diagnose gallbladder cancer, performed biopsy – removal of a tissue sample for later study. The procedure often requires open surgery. In many cases, gallbladder cancer is found by accident.

Treatment of gallbladder cancer

After finding gallbladder cancer survey is conducted, allowing to determine the extent and scope of cancer. Methods of treatment depends on the stage of the disease. For advanced stages of cancer treatment is carried out only to relieve symptoms.

Methods of treatment of gallbladder cancer include:

Surgery for cancer of the gallbladder

Conducting an operation to surgical removal of the gallbladder, which is called cholecystectomy. There may also be removed part of the liver and lymph nodes in the gallbladder. In some cases, surgery is performed, to relieve symptoms, opening the obstacle in the bile ducts. For this purpose may also be used ERCP.

Radiation therapy

Radiatsionnaya therapy It uses radioactive radiation, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Irradiation is most often carried out by sources, which are outside the body.

Chemotherapy for cancer of the gallbladder

Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: tablets, injection, the introduction of a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, killing mostly cancer, and also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy is not considered a treatment for gallbladder cancer, but can ease symptoms in some patients.

Combination therapy of cancer of the gallbladder

Often, to cure cancer of the gallbladder, Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used together. For some types of cancer this method of treatment can be more effective, than surgery or radiotherapy.

Prevention of cancer of the gallbladder

Since the cause of gallbladder cancer is unknown, There are no methods of its prevention. Expected, that the occurrence of cancer can affect the presence of gallstones. Because gallbladder cancer is rare, doctors do not recommend to prevent conduct removal of the gallbladder in patients with asymptomatic gallstones.