Gallbladder Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Overview

 

Gallbladder cancer is a relatively rare but severe form of cancer that affects the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. While early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment, understanding the available treatment options is equally essential, says a gallbladder cancer surgeon in Kolkata. This blog explores the various treatment options available for gallbladder cancer.

What Is the Gallbladder? 

Before delving into treatment options, it's essential to understand the gallbladder's role in the human body and how gallbladder cancer occurs. 

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped, small organ that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. This bile is released into the small intestine to facilitate digestion.

Gallbladder cancer starts when normal gallbladder cells develop mutations in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains instructions and the cell acts accordingly. When mutations occur, the mutated cells grow out of control and continue living whereas the surrounding cells die out. 

Treatment options for Gallbladder Cancer:

Below discussed are some of the popular treatment options opted by onco surgeons: 

• Surgery:  Primarily onco surgeons opt for surgery, especially in cases where the tumour is localized and has not spread to other organs. We have discussed the types of surgeries performed for treating gallbladder cancer: 

1. Cholecystectomy: This is the most common surgical procedure for gallbladder cancer. This surgery involves the complete removal of the gallbladder. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes and a portion of the liver may also be removed to eradicate all cancerous tissue.
2. Radical Resection: A radical resection may be necessary for more advanced cases. This involves the removal of not only the gallbladder but also nearby structures, such as part of the liver, bile ducts, and lymph nodes. Radical resection aims to eliminate as much cancerous tissue as possible.

• Radiation Therapy: In this method,  high-energy rays or particles target and destroy cancer cells. It can be employed as a standalone treatment or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. The most common radiation therapy is external beam radiation.

• Chemotherapy: This procedure involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It is often recommended by gallbladder cancer surgeon in Kolkata when gallbladder cancer has spread beyond the gallbladder or cannot be entirely removed by surgery. 

• Targeted Therapy: This is a more recent development in treating gallbladder cancer. This approach uses drugs that specifically target certain molecules or proteins involved in cancer growth. By targeting these specific elements, targeted therapy can effectively slow down or inhibit cancer cell growth. 

It’s better to consult an experienced oncologist before deciding upon the treatment since it depends on several factors, including the stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, etc. If you are looking for expert guidance in this regard, consult the best cancer surgeon in Kolkata.