Gall bladder cancer is a malignant condition of the gall bladder, a pouch like structure located below the liver. The disease is relatively uncommon; nonetheless, an early diagnosis plays a pivotal role in gall bladder cancer treatment.
Gall bladder Cancer Treatment
Early detection and diagnosis of gall bladder cancer determines the course of treatment and significantly improves prognosis. Gall bladder cancer treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the general health condition and age, and the patient’s preferences. The chief aim of gall bladder cancer treatment is to excise out the organ; alongside, it is vital to prevent a spread of the disease to neighboring areas.
Surgery for Early Stage Gall Bladder Cancer
Surgery is an option in the early stage gallbladder cancer treatment. Options are:
• Cancer that is confined to the gall bladder is by and large treated with cholecystectomy or excision of the gall bladder.
• Occasionally, it may be required to remove the gall bladder and some portion of the liver as well. Gall bladder cancer tends to spread beyond the organ and in to the liver. Hence, this surgical intervention becomes very crucial.
• It is not very clear whether treatments after the surgery prevent recurrences of the tumor. Research and studies say that opting for chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of the two after a successful surgery can help avert a recurrence. Hence, a number of surgeons and experts will recommend patients to opt for these.
Treatments for Late Stage Gall Bladder Cancer
Surgery can not bring about complete cure for gall bladder cancer that has extended beyond the organ. Accordingly, doctors use treatments that may alleviate the symptoms of cancer and make you feel comfortable. Other gall bladder cancer treatment options are:
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy comprises of drug treatment and used powerful medications to destroy the malignant cells.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation makes use of high powered beams of energy, like X-rays, to exterminate the cancer cells.
• Procedures may be done to ease bile duct blockages. Advanced cases tend to cause blockages in the bile duct, resulting in a host of complications. The surgeon places a stent / a hollow metal tube in a bile duct to hold it open or he may surgically re-route the bile duct around the blockage, called a biliary bypass
