Types of Cancer :: Gallbladder Cancer - Part IV

How is gallbladder cancer diagnosed?

First and foremost, a HCP should always perform a thorough history and physical examination. Laboratory work should include metabolic chemistry and liver function panels to look for abnormal levels of various substances in the blood that are suggestive of general hepatobiliary disease. A urinalysis is usually done to evaluate urinary levels of some of these substances as well.

*The role of tumor markers, [carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)] has not been established in gallbladder cancer.

Ultrasonography (US) is the standard study done first in patients presenting with right upper quadrant pain. It allows HCPs to make a diagnosis of gallbladder cancer in about half of patients, and can also detect disease spread into the liver or bile ducts.

Computed tomography (CT) scans can also be helpful in patients with upper abdominal pain. They are better than US for detecting tumor invasion out of the gallbladder and disease spread to other sites in the abdomen or pelvis. About 70-80% of cases will have some degree of liver invasion, and so the combination of CT and US provides more accurate information.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been useful in examining this region for disease spread into the liver or other tissues. This technology is particularly good for planning surgery, by evaluating surrounding blood vessels [magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)] and bile duct passages [magnetic resonance cholangiogram (MRC)].

Cholangiography, either through the skin or the stomach, is a technique that allows HCPs to not only establish a diagnosis, but to locate the blockage and place a stent through the blockage to help alleviate the blockage.

Learn more about Gallbladder Cancer on CancerBasics.info ...