Gall bladder cancer

Gall bladder cancer is the cancer of biliary system, usually diagnosed at end-stage.

Risk factors

• Gall bladder with large stone
• Calcification of gall bladder wall (Porcelain gall bladder)
• Anonymity of pancreatic-biliary ductal system
• Adenomyomatosis
• Family history of gall bladder cancer

Symptoms

• Persistent upper abdominal pain
• Jaundice
• Itching
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite

Diagnosis

• Ultrasonography reveals irregular thickening of gall bladder wall, and may present mass lesion.
• CECT abdomen reveals suspected gall bladder cancer in patients, and extent of resectibility

Treatment

• Surgery is the most important treatment modality, however <20 % of cases are resectable
• Unresectable patients can be diagnosed by FNA and microscopy. Chemotherapy can be initiated, although it is less effective.
• ERCP and stenting indicated for advanced tumors, and for the management of itching and cholangitis.