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Gallbladder Cancer Screening

Gallbladder cancer is uncommon and there are no screening tests to detect the disease. That’s why it’s important to understand gallbladder cancer risk factors.

Detecting Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is an uncommon but potentially fatal form of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. It is often detected postoperatively, after the gallbladder has been removed for other issues.

It is difficult to screen for gallbladder cancer because symptoms are generally not felt until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Experts are still working on effective gallbladder cancer screening options, which is why it is critical to be aware of any new signs and symptoms that may occur, including:

  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Lumps in the belly
  • Jaundice — yellowing of the eyes and skin due to a build-up of a chemical called bilirubin

Screening for High-Risk Patients

While gallbladder cancer is rare, there are certain factors that may put someone at an increased risk. If you have any of the below risk factors, speak with your doctor to understand if you should undergo a gallbladder cancer test:

  • Chronic gallbladder inflammation. Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder can cause damage to DNA in the cells lining the gallbladder. The duress these cells are then under causes them to transform and, in some cases, lead to tumorous growth. Inflammation has been found to be one of the most common risk factors for gallbladder cancer.
  • Recurrent gallstones. These cholesterol deposits are similar to kidney stones and can collect in the gallbladder, causing inflammation and swelling. As many as 4 out of 5 people with gallbladder cancer have gallstones when they are diagnosed, and gallstones larger than three centimeters in length are found to increase your risk of cancer tenfold compared to smaller ones.
  • Porcelain gallbladder. This is a condition in which the gallbladder becomes covered in calcium deposits. It can develop after years of an inflamed gallbladder.

Testing for Gallbladder Cancer

There are several gallbladder cancer tests that play a vital role in gallbladder cancer detection. Your Winship care team may use one or more tests and procedures to determine the stage of your cancer. Gallbladder cancer diagnostic tests include:

  • Medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will discuss your medical history with you, including any risk factors. They will also perform a physical exam.
  • Blood tests. When the gallbladder, bile ducts and liver are not working as they should, a chemical called bilirubin is passed into the bloodstream and can be a sign that something is off.
  • Radiologic imaging. Advanced imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, take detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Scans specifically developed to examine the gastrointestinal tract can detect abnormalities like a gallbladder tumor. They are also helpful in understanding whether the cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other areas in the body.
  • Laparoscopy. A minimally invasive surgery involving the use of a laparoscope, or small fiberoptic camera, that allows your surgeon to look at the gallbladder and surrounding organs. If necessary, it is also a common method for removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
  • Gallbladder biopsy. A small sample of the gallbladder is removed so that it can be analyzed and tested for cancerous cells.