Gallbladder Cancer
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A gallbladder cancer diagnosis dramatically impacts every aspect of your life and the lives of those around you. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) we know that after a gallbladder cancer diagnosis your priorities have shifted and that those things that once occupied your time no longer seem as important. We understand the impact this has, and are committed to helping people during this difficult time.
If you are interested in learning more about CTCA and our unique approach to cancer treatment, please call us today at 1-800-615-3055 and speak to one of our Oncology Information Specialists about your treatment options.
Information on Gallbladder Cancer
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that lies just under the liver. It stores bile, which is an enzyme produced by the liver to digest fat. Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease in which malignant cells develop in the lining of the gallbladder. It's one of the least common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract with a minimal number of new cases being diagnosed yearly. Although gallbladder cancer can affect either gender, women are more likely to develop it. In addition, gallbladder cancer is more common in white women than African American women, and occurs more in Native American or South or Central American women than either.
Risk Factors & Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer
There are several risk factors for gallbladder cancers, including gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder, a history of typhoid, a family history of gallbladder cancer, and exposure to some industrial and environmental chemicals. Gallbladder cancer symptoms include the following:
- Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes);
- Pain above the stomach;
- Fever;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Bloating;
- Lumps in the abdomen.
It's important to remember that gallbladder cancer symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, including hepatitis. If you or a loved one experience these problems please consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing Gallbladder Cancer
An early diagnosis can improve a patient's gallbladder cancer prognosis. Diagnostic tools and methods include an analysis of a patient's complete medical history accompanied by a complete physical examination; further tests include blood tests, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography (an x-ray procedure used to examine blood vessels), laparoscopy (a procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the gallbladder), and biopsies. Accurate diagnosis can also determine the stage, or progression, of gallbladder cancer. Your team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America will employ the latest gallbladder cancer detection tools to locate and treat your cancer.
Once gallbladder cancer is accurately diagnosed and staged, there are a number of treatment options available. Cancer Treatment Centers of America constantly strives to offer a comprehensive array of time-tested traditional treatments, innovative new procedures, and complementary gallbladder cancer treatments. In addition, your treatment team will consult with you and your family to create an individualized, treatment program that suits your particular needs.
Gallbladder Cancer Treatment at CTCA
Gallbladder cancer treatment options at CTCA include conventional treatments, such as surgery. Surgical oncology is the oldest form of cancer treatment, and can also play an important role in diagnosis and staging. Surgery can play many roles in your treatment, from preventative to palliative measures. CTCA's expert surgeons are skilled in the most sophisticated techniques, and, if your case calls for surgery, are crucial members of your treatment team.
Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs that can destroy gallbladder cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs are delivered either via the mouth or intravenously, and can be used alone or in conjunction with surgery and/or radiation therapy. Fractionated dose chemotherapy, an option offered at CTCA, breaks down the usual single large dose of chemotherapy into several small doses, and can work against cancerous cells for a longer period of time while reducing some of chemotherapy's unpleasant side effects.
Radiation therapy, used on its own or in conjunction with other traditional methods, can both treat gallbladder cancer and reduce symptoms. Cancer Treatment Centers of America's radiation oncologists use innovative techniques such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), which has been called the most significant breakthrough in radiation treatments in the past 30 years, and allows the use of higher radiation doses while sparing healthy tissue. 3-D Conformal Radiation, another leading-edge radiation technique used at CTCA, allows multiple radiation beams to be shaped to the contour of the treatment area.
Biotherapy/Immunotherapy is designed to help repair, stimulate, or enhance your body's own natural defenses, which can stop, control, or suppress processes that support gallbladder cancer cell growth.
In addition to traditional therapies, Cancer Treatment Centers of America also offer numerous complementary and alternative therapy options as part of an integrative gallbladder cancer treatment plan.
- Nutritional Therapy--optimum nutrition is crucial before, during, and after your gallbladder cancer treatment
- Pain Management--the goal of this therapy method is not only relief from pain, but also to regain and maintain your normal quality of life
- Naturopathic Medicine--as part of your individualized treatment program, this method uses the least invasive methods to support the creation of a healthy internal and external environment
- Mind-Body Medicine--Mind-Body Medicine, or Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), uses a variety of techniques to explore the influence of your mind on your body and immune system, and helps you direct your energies toward your gallbladder cancer treatment and your health
- Physical Therapy--Physical Therapy can help you reduce stress, prevent fatigue, and increase your overall quality of life
- Spiritual Support--spiritual care is an integral part of a comprehensive treatment program
Your treatment team at CTCA, composed of experts from all fields of cancer treatment, will work with you to create an individualized plan comprised of multiple treatment methods. All your treatment will occur under one roof in a caring, nurturing environment.
Exploring Your Gallbladder Treatment Options
Believing in the gallbladder treatment you are receiving is an important aspect of your treatment. The decision to leave your current therapy program can be difficult, but if you feel you're not receiving the best possible gallbladder cancer care please contact one of our Oncology Information Specialists, available 24 hours a day, every day. You can contact our OIS team either via phone at 1-800-615-3055, online chat, or email. They will discuss with you your treatment options and if CTCA may be the right treatment facility for you.
You deserve the best possible treatment for your gallbladder cancer. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we believe you have the right to be in control of your care, and to have at your disposal every treatment method necessary during the treatment process. Your success depends upon it, and we're here to help.
