What Are the Tests Used to Diagnose Gallbladder Cancer?

Gallbladder cancer is a concern for many individuals, especially in regions like North India, where it is more commonly seen. If you’re worried about this condition or have recently had some abnormal test results, you’re not alone.

Many people have similar fears and questions, especially when they come across terms like “gallbladder cancer” during routine checkups. At our clinic, we often face these kinds of questions, so we’ve decided to lay out all the information you need in one place.

What Exactly Is Gallbladder Cancer?

Gallbladder cancer begins in the lining of the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. It can be challenging to detect because the symptoms often mimic those of less serious conditions like gallstones or gastrointestinal issues.

If left undiagnosed, gallbladder cancer can grow and spread to nearby organs such as the liver or intestines. Early detection is key, and there are several tests doctors use to diagnose it.

What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Gallbladder Cancer?

When doctors suspect gallbladder cancer, they rely on a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer, determine its stage, and decide the best course of treatment. These tests help identify whether a tumor exists, how far it has spread, and how aggressive the cancer might be.

With specialists like Dr. Aditya Kulkarni in Pune, patients can trust in precise diagnosis and compassionate care.

Can an Ultrasound Detect Gallbladder Cancer?

The first and most common test performed is an abdominal ultrasound, also known as sonography. This test is typically performed on an outpatient basis and provides an initial look at the state of your gallbladder.

During an ultrasound, doctors can observe the walls and lining of the gallbladder. If there is any thickening of the walls or the presence of polyps, this can indicate a potential tumor. Ultrasound can also show if the cancer has spread to the liver or other nearby structures.

While an ultrasound is a very useful tool, it’s considered the first step in the diagnostic process. It’s a non-invasive and quick way to determine if further testing is needed.

If any abnormalities are seen on the ultrasound, doctors will likely proceed with more detailed imaging studies.

What Role Do CT and MRI Scans Play?

When ultrasound results raise concerns, doctors usually turn to more advanced imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans. These tests provide a more detailed view of the gallbladder and surrounding organs.

A CT scan uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of your body, allowing doctors to see if the tumor is confined to the gallbladder or if it has spread to other organs like the liver or bile ducts.

An MRI scan, on the other hand, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the gallbladder.

This test can show the size and location of the tumor, and it can also help determine whether the cancer has invaded other organs like the intestines or colon.

In cases where cancer has spread, the CT or MRI scan can help doctors assess the relationship between the tumor and surrounding structures.

What Is a PET Scan and How Does It Help?

For more advanced cases or when cancer has spread, doctors may order a PET scan. This imaging test involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into your body, which helps highlight areas of abnormal cell activity.

PET scans are often used to detect whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, or lymph nodes.

While CT and MRI scans focus on the anatomy of the gallbladder and nearby organs, a PET scan provides a broader view, showing where cancerous cells might be lurking in other areas of the body.

For many patients, a PET scan is a critical step in staging the cancer and determining the most appropriate treatment plan.

Can Blood Tests Detect Gallbladder Cancer?

In addition to imaging tests, doctors often order blood tests to evaluate liver function and check for certain cancer markers. Gallbladder cancer can affect the bile ducts, which in turn can impact the liver’s ability to function properly.

This can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Liver function tests measure these levels, as well as enzymes like SGOT and SGPT, which can become elevated if the liver is under stress from cancer.

Doctors may also order tests for tumor markers, which are substances produced by cancer cells.

In the case of gallbladder cancer, the most commonly tested tumor markers are CA 19-9 and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen). Elevated levels of these markers in the blood can indicate the presence of cancer, although they are not definitive on their own.

Tumor markers are often used in conjunction with imaging tests to provide a clearer picture of the situation.

How Does a Biopsy Confirm Gallbladder Cancer?

While imaging and blood tests can strongly suggest the presence of gallbladder cancer, the only definitive way to diagnose cancer is through a biopsy.

During a biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the tumor and examine it under a microscope. This allows them to confirm whether the cells are cancerous and, if so, what type of cancer it is.

Biopsies can also provide information about the grade of the cancer, which refers to how aggressive the tumor is. This is critical for determining the course of treatment.

For example, high-grade cancers tend to grow and spread more quickly, requiring more aggressive treatment. A biopsy provides the final, confirmatory diagnosis of gallbladder cancer and is an essential part of the diagnostic process.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

Once gallbladder cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine the stage of the cancer and create a treatment plan. Staging is based on how far the cancer has spread.

Early-stage cancer, confined to the gallbladder, can often be treated with surgery. In this case, doctors will remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) along with any affected lymph nodes or surrounding tissue.

If the cancer has spread beyond the gallbladder, treatment options may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing, while radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target cancer cells. The choice of treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient.

How quickly does gallbladder cancer spread?

Wrapping Up

Gallbladder cancer is a serious condition, but with modern diagnostic tests, doctors can detect it early and create effective treatment plans. Ultrasound, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, blood tests, and biopsies all play crucial roles in the diagnostic process.

Take control of your health with expert care. Consult Dr. Aditya Kulkarni, Pune’s leading gallbladder cancer doctor, for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. Book your appointment today!