Gallbladder cancer
Diagnosing gallbladder cancer
Your GP will examine you and ask about your symptoms. If they suspect gallbladder cancer, they may refer you to a specialist, usually a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specialises in conditions of the digestive system).
Thespecialist will ask about your medical history and check to see whether the lymph glands in your neck and groin are swollen.
You may also have some initial tests, including:
- blood tests
- an ultrasound scan
- a computerised tomography (CT) scan
If these tests reveal anything abnormal in or around your gallbladder, further tests may be arrangedto helpconfirm whether you have gallbladder cancer. These mayinclude:
- an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- biopsy and fine needle aspiration (FNA)
The Cancer Research UK website has more information about tests for gallbladder cancer .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Gallbladder cancer is very rare. Around 800 people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition each year.
Symptoms of gallbladder cancer
In the early stages, gallbladder cancer doesn't cause symptoms, whichmeans it could be at an advanced stage by the time it's diagnosed. Symptoms that occur at a later stage can include: abdominal (
What causes gallbladder cancer?
In gallbladder cancer, abnormal cells grow within the gallbladder. It's not known why this happens, but certain things are thought to increase your chances of developing the condition. Gallbladder ca
Diagnosing gallbladder cancer
Your GP will examine you and ask about your symptoms. If they suspect gallbladder cancer, they may refer you to a specialist, usually a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specialises in conditions of th
Treating gallbladder cancer
The main treatment for gallbladder cancer is surgery to remove the gallbladder and possibly some of the surrounding tissue. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also sometimes used, either on their o
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