Gallbladder Cancer
Overview
Gallbladder cancer is uncommon, with fewer than 2 cases per 100,000 people being diagnosed each year in the United States. Gallbladder cancer is the 25th most frequent cancer diagnosis, and the 23rd most frequent cause of cancer related deaths, 19 new cases diagnosed in 2020, in Cyprus. Gallbladder is approximately twice as common in women than men. It is often diagnosed in people who are 70-80 years old. Other risk factors include obesity, chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or chronic typhoid infections of gallbladder.
Diagnosis
Gallbladder often does not present with any symptoms, which often leads to diagnosis occurring once the cancer has grown. If you are considered high risk, such if you are a women or Native Americans and have a history of gallstones, you should be evaluated frequently by a specialist. Your medical team may recommend a transabdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). These imaging studies help confirm a suspected diagnosis. A large number of gallbladder cancers are found incidentally when a patient is being evaluated for cholelithiasis, or gallstone formation, which are both far more common. If your medical team suspects a tumor based on the symptoms you’re experiencing, and on the results of the imaging studies, they may recommend a biopsy and microscopic examination of the tumor tissue. This is the only way to confirm whether the tumor is malignant or not. Additionally, cellular and molecular markers may be evaluated to guide your medical team when tailoring your treatment plan.
To assess the potential spread of the cancer, your medical team may recommend you undergo further imaging studies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PET / CT).
Treatment
Like other types of cancer, treatment varies greatly depending on the gallbladder tumor characteristics, as well as how the cancer has progressed. Every step in the diagnostic procedure helps the GMI team tailor each treatment plan to each patient, taking into consideration your individual case and personal preferences. To determine the best course of action each patient’s case is discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board where several experts from our team come together to create your comprehensive treatment plan. For cases where the cancer remains localized, a dedicated team of surgeons or radiation oncologists will eradicate the tumor using the most modern treatment options. For cases where the cancer is at a more advanced stage, our Medical Oncology team will propose the best treatment plan for each patient, which will include the newest regimen of systemic therapies like targeted therapy, chemotherapy and / or immunotherapy.
Why GMI
At the GMI German Oncology Center, a dedicated team of internationally acclaimed physicians guides each gallbladder cancer patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports gallbladder cancer patients on their journey by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative oncology services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI German Oncology Center both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
