Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, GB Pant Hospital, Delhi
Holds the highest degrees in Oncology - DrNB, MCh
Having 15+ years of experience in treating
11750+ Patients have been successfully
treated
15+ years of work experience as a gallbladder cancer specialist
22+ Awards received by Dr. Shah for his achievements
Stage 0 (Tis, N0, M0):
• Cancer is confined to the innermost layer of the gallbladder wall.
• No spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
Stage I (T1, N0, M0):
• Cancer has invaded the connective tissue beneath the inner layer of the gallbladder wall.
• No involvement of nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
Stage II (T2, N0, M0):
• Cancer has spread to the muscle layer or the outer third of the gallbladder wall.
• No lymph node involvement or distant metastasis.
Stage III (T3, N0, M0):
• Cancer has invaded nearby structures, such as the liver, stomach, intestine, or main blood vessels.
• No lymph node involvement or distant metastasis.
Stage IV (Any T, N1 or N2, M0 or M1):
• Cancer has spread beyond the gallbladder to nearby lymph nodes (N1 or N2).
⦿ Stage IVA: No distant metastasis.
⦿ Stage IVB: Distant metastasis has occurred, involving organs or distant lymph nodes.
Staging of gallbladder cancer involves a combination of diagnostic tests and imaging studies to determine the extent of the disease. Here’s how CT scans, PET-CT scans, and blood CA 19-9 levels are commonly used in the staging process:
CT Scan (Computed Tomography):
• CT scans are a standard imaging technique used to assess the size, location, and extent of gallbladder tumors.
• They provide detailed cross-sectional images of the abdominal area, including the gallbladder, liver, lymph nodes, and nearby structures.
• CT scans help identify the tumor’s size, invasion into surrounding tissues, and potential spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs.
PET-CT Scan (Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography):
• PET-CT scans combine functional and structural imaging to detect areas of increased metabolic activity, which can indicate the presence of cancer cells.
• They are valuable for identifying distant metastases and assessing the overall spread of cancer beyond the gallbladder.
• PET-CT scans are often used in conjunction with CT scans to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the disease.
Blood CA 19-9 Level:
• CA 19-9 is a tumor marker that can be measured through a blood test.
• Elevated CA 19-9 levels may suggest the presence of gallbladder cancer or other gastrointestinal malignancies.
• While CA 19-9 levels can provide additional information, they are not definitive for staging and are often used in combination with imaging studies.
My patient underwent a cancer operation. We were very apprehensive at first. But now after 15 days of treatment we are very happy. He is one of the best Gastro Oncosurgeon in Ahmedabad.
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Precise drugs targeting cancer cells.
Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
For accurate diagnosis and staging.
⦿ Cholecystectomy: In the early stages of gallbladder cancer, the most common treatment is surgical removal of the gallbladder, known as cholecystectomy. This may involve removing part or all of the liver, adjacent lymph nodes, and other affected tissues.
⦿ Extended Resections: In cases where the cancer has spread beyond the gallbladder, more extensive surgeries may be required. These may include hepatectomy (removal of a portion of the liver), bile duct resection, or even pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) in more advanced cases.
⦿ Adjuvant Chemotherapy: After surgery, patients may undergo adjuvant chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. This involves the use of anti-cancer drugs, either orally or intravenously.
⦿ Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: In some cases, chemotherapy may be administered before surgery to shrink tumors and make them more operable. This approach is known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
⦿ Palliative Chemotherapy: For advanced stages of gallbladder cancer where surgery is not curative, chemotherapy may be used to alleviate symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve the patient’s quality of life.
To check for gallbladder cancer, a doctor may do different tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. They might also suggest blood tests, such as liver function tests, and a biopsy to be sure about the diagnosis.
The best doctor for cancer depends on the type of cancer. Normally, an oncologist, especially a surgical oncologist, is an expert in finding and treating cancer. But sometimes, a group of doctors, which includes medical and radiation oncologists, might work together to give the best care.
Gallbladder cancer can happen at any age, but it’s more common in people over 65. It’s not very common in younger folks.
Gallbladder cancer can grow and spread at different rates. Sometimes, it can spread fast to nearby organs and lymph nodes. But how quickly it spreads depends on a lot of things, like the stage of cancer when found and individual factors.
There are new treatments for gallbladder cancer, like targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and combinations of treatments. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional for the latest info on new treatments that might work for each person.
Stage 4 gallbladder cancer is often advanced and might have spread to faraway organs. It’s hard to cure, but treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and palliative care can help with symptoms, improve life quality, and maybe make life longer. How well treatment works depends on different things, and it’s good to discuss with a healthcare provider.
