Overview about stage 4 gallbladder cancer
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that receives; stores and concentrates bile produced by hepatocytes i.e. liver cells. Bile helps in the digestion of fats by emulsifying and converting it into droplets which are absorbed in the small intestine.
Gallbladder cancers, more common among women than men, occur when malignant cells are formed in the gallbladder. Often, these cancerous cells spread to other organs and tissues.
Signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer include jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain besides nausea, vomiting and bloating. Usually, there are no signs or symptoms in the early stages of gallbladder cancer.
The gallbladder is diagnosed on the basis of Symptoms
• Physical examination and history
• Liver functions tests
• Blood tests
• CT scan
• Ultrasound
• Endoscopic Ultrasound
• PTC (Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography)
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Laparoscopy
• Biopsy
The staging describes the location of cancer, the spread of cancer, organs affected due to metastasis i.e. spread of cancer.
Doctors follow the TNM system to determine staging which indicates:
• A tumor (T) - the size of the primary tumor and its location
• Node (N) – to determine whether or not, the tumor has spread to the lymph node. If yes, where and how much
• Metastasis (M) - to determine whether or not, the tumor has spread to other organs of the body. If yes, where and how much
Depending upon results of the TNM system, Gallbladder cancer is classified into various stages i.e.
• Stage 1- gallbladder cancer is confined to the inner layers of the gallbladder.
• Stage 2 - gallbladder cancer has grown enough to invade the outer layer of the gallbladder.
• Stage 3 - gallbladder cancer has grown to invade one or more nearby organs, such as liver, small intestine, stomach, and nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 4 - of gallbladder cancer includes large tumors that involve multiple nearby organs and distant areas of the body.
However, recurrent gallbladder cancer can come back after it has been treated. The gallbladder cancer that comes back in the same place where it started first, it is termed as local recurrence. If it comes back in tissues or lymph nodes close to where it first started, it will be termed as regional recurrence. The gallbladder cancer of Stage 4 is the most serious stage of cancer in which cancer can spread to other areas such as:
• Main blood vessel (Portal Vein or Hepatic Artery), with or without spread to one to three lymph nodes
• Two or more organs outside the gallbladder, with or without spread to one to three lymph nodes
• Four or more nearby lymph nodes
• Organs away from gallbladder e.g. lungs
According to the place of the spread of cancer and the number of lymph nodes involved; Stage 4 is divided into 4A and 4B stages.
Treatment options for gallbladder cancer?
Treatment of gallbladder cancer is decided on the basis of the type of tumor and usually involves more than one type of treatment.
The treatment options are:
• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy – given as adjuvant therapy after surgery
Among new treatment procedures for gallbladder cancers, clinical trials are going on with Radiation sensitizers like Hyperthermia therapy and Radiosensitizers Drugs
How long do you live with stage 4 gallbladder cancers?
Stage 4 gallbladder cancer indicates the seriousness of the disease as cancer has spread into:
• Main blood vessels leading into the liver,
• And/or into lymph nodes
• And/or organs away from the gallbladder
As per statics available, almost 5% of patients diagnosed with stage 4 gallbladder cancer usually survive for 5 years or more.
What does it cost?
Cost of stage 4 Gallbladder Cancer in India depends upon:
• Stature of doctor
• Type of Hospital
• Stage of cancer and patient
• Diagnostic and medical facilities availed
Despite the best treatment and world-class hospital infrastructure, cost of stage 4 Gallbladder Cancer in India is much lower when compared to advanced countries.
How to contact?
For low cost and best treatment of gallbladder cancers, patients may contact India Cancer Surgery Hospital for a free consultation at +91-9371770341 or write us on info@indiacancersurgerysite.com
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