The information on this page was reviewed and approved by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science at CTCA.
This page was updated on July 14, 2021.
Gallbladder cancer is rare, but when it does occur, it is usually diagnosed in advanced stages. Gallbladder cancer may be difficult to diagnose, in part because the gallbladder is small and buried deep in the body, making tumors harder to find. Also, symptoms do not typically appear until the disease has progressed.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), we use a range of diagnostic tools and techniques to help diagnose and stage your cancer and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We also offer supportive care services to help you manage the side effects of treatment, so you are better able to maintain your strength, stamina and quality of life throughout treatment.
We target gallbladder tumors with sophisticated, evidence-based treatments and technology. Your multidisciplinary team of gallbladder cancer experts will answer your questions and recommend treatment options based on your unique diagnosis and needs. Common treatments for gallbladder cancer include:
Surgery
Surgery is a common treatment for gallbladder cancer, and is used to remove the tumor or relieve symptoms. It may also be used to help alleviate pain if the cancer is more widespread.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used in addition to surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence or in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Radiation therapy
Radiation may also be used after surgery or as a palliative treatment if the cancer has spread.
We understand that managing the side effects of gallbladder cancer treatment is critical to your quality of life. In addition to treating your cancer with evidence-based conventional approaches, your care team may recommend various supportive care therapies designed to help you stay strong throughout treatment. They may include:
Every patient has the option of meeting with a registered dietitian.
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This form of cancer develops in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver, behind the lower right ribs. This pear-shaped organ stores and concentrates bile, which is used to help digest fats. Risk factors for gallbladder cancer include obesity and medical conditions that affect the gallbladder, including gallstones, cysts or polyps. Woman are at twice the risk of developing this type of cancer than men.
"We called the toll-free number to inquire about a second opinion. Even from that first phone call, I felt well cared for. There were no voice prompts to wade through or shuttling from one person to the next. After meeting with the care team and being exposed right away to CTCA’s Mother Standard® of care, I had a CT scan and was walked through a proposed treatment plan a day or so later. "
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