Gallbladder cancer
What is gallbladder cancer?
Gallbladder cancer starts in cells of the gallbladder. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to gallbladder cancer.
Risks for biliary cancer
Risks for biliary cancer (both gallbladder cancer and bile duct cancer) include gallstones, inflammation of the biliary tract and choledochal cysts.
Symptoms of gallbladder cancer
Symptoms of gallbladder cancer include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever and jaundice. Learn more about the symptoms of gallbladder cancer.
Diagnosis of gallbladder cancer
Tests to diagnose gallbladder cancer, such as ultrasound, are done when symptoms or tests suggest a problem. Learn about diagnosing gallbladder cancer.
Grading gallbladder cancer
Grading is a way of classifying gallbladder cancer cells based on their appearance and behaviour when viewed under a microscope. To find out the grade of a tumour, the biopsy sample is examined under a microscope. A grade is given based on how the cancer cells look and behave compared with normal cells.
Stages of gallbladder cancer
Staging is a way of describing or classifying a cancer based on the extent of cancer in the body. The most common staging system for gallbladder cancer is the TNM system. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) uses the TNM system to describe the extent of many solid tumour cancers.
If gallbladder cancer spreads
Cancer cells have the potential to spread from the gallbladder to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural). Metastases are also called secondary tumours.
Prognosis and survival for gallbladder cancer
People with gallbladder cancer may have questions about their prognosis and survival. Prognosis and survival depend on many factors. Only a doctor familiar with a person's medical history, type of cancer, stage, characteristics of the cancer, treatments chosen and response to treatment can put all of this information together with survival statistics to arrive at a prognosis.
Treatments for gallbladder cancer
Treatments for gallbladder cancer include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Learn about treatment plans and options for gallbladder cancer.
Supportive care for gallbladder cancer
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of gallbladder cancer. It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help meet the needs and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their loved ones, especially after treatment has ended.
Biliary cancer statistics
Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from biliary cancer in a certain time frame.