Gallbladder Cancer Outcomes

Gallbladder cancer outcomes depend heavily on the size of the tumor and the stage of the disease. Therefore, earlier diagnosis means improving the chances of a better overall gallbladder cancer prognosis.

Winship’s multidisciplinary team works tirelessly — researching and identifying early detection methods — to diagnose and treat people sooner. This commitment has enabled Winship to achieve some of the best gallbladder cancer outcomes in the country, improving survival rates, lowering recurrence rates and helping patients manage long-term side effects.

Gallbladder cancer survival rates depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Stage of the cancer (how advanced it is)
• How well the cancer responds to treatment
• Age and overall health of the patient

According to National Cancer Institute (NCI) statistics, the five-year gallbladder cancer survival rates are as follows for its different stages:

• Stages 0-II: Survival rate is 65%. Localized cases where the cancer has not spread to other areas in the body.
• Stage III: Survival rate is 28%. Regional cases where cancer has spread outside of the gallbladder to nearby areas such as the liver.
• Stage IV: Survival rate is below 5%. Distant cases involving spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, lymph nodes or pancreas.

It is important to note that these survival rates are estimates based on research and may not apply to every patient. Everyone’s cancer experience is unique, and a variety of factors may impact your life expectancy following a gallbladder cancer diagnosis.

There is always the chance that cancer will recur. For this reason, every patient at Winship will receive a robust follow-up care plan, so that they can be monitored as closely as possible. Follow-up visits to your doctor and care team may include a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests and other routine procedures to ensure that your cancer has not returned.

If you experience any unusual symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor immediately. This could mean that the cancer has come back.

With any cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy and radiation, there are potential side effects to be aware of. These may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Increased risk of infections

These side effects are typically short term and will go away once treatment ends. Winship’s cancer team can help you navigate and minimize these side effects as much as possible — through rehabilitation services, pain management and other support services.