Introduction

Gall bladder ,bile duct and liver are located on the right upper part of belly / abdomen. They help in production of bile which helps in digestion of fat. It is a common cancer found in Indian subcontinent. It is seen in females more commonly .Cholangiocarcinoma are the cancers which arise from the bile ducts which transport bile.

Type

The most common type of Gall bladder and bile duct cancer are Adenocarcinoma

Presentation

These cancers are generally detected incidentally when a patient gets operated for gall bladder stones. In advanced stage they may present with swelling and fluid in the abdomen .

Diagnosis

There are certain tests used for diagnosis

1. 1. Ultrasound of abdomen – it is a hand held device  which is kept over the abdomen .
   2. Blood tests including tumour marker ( CA 19.9,CEA)
   3. Biopsy - Biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from the tumour using either ultrasound or CT scan. These small pieces are sent to pathologist for diagnosis.
   4. MRCP
   5. CT scan or WBPET or MRI can be used for complete staging

Staging

Depending on the size of tumor and its spread they are divided into Stage I,II,III and Stage IV.

Treatment

Almost all patients with Carcinoma Gall bladder benefit from surgery .It is the. Only definitive treatment available.

1. Surgery – This involves complete removal of gall bladder/ bile ducts / part of involved liver and draining lymph nodes.
2. Chemotherapy - Are given in the form of injections which are given in the form of cycles with period of rest in between .The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of drugs , duration of treatment and dose of the drugs . Common side effects are diarrhoea, hair loss, loss of appetite mouth ulcers etc
3. Radiation may be used at times for management of Gallbladder.

For any further queries  you can contact any of the oncologist on this platform .