Gallbladder & Biliary Tract Cancer

Gallbladder and biliary tract cancers are rare but aggressive tumours that start in the gallbladder or bile ducts, which are part of the digestive system. Many times detected at an advanced stage, these tumours remain asymptomatic in early stages. Women are more likely to develop gallbladder cancer, especially in areas where gallstones and chronic gallbladder inflammation are rather widespread. From within the liver to right before the small intestine, bile duct cancer—also called cholangiocarcinoma—can strike anywhere throughout the biliary system.

Known risk factors are chronic gallstones, main sclerosing cholangitis, liver flukes, and bile duct anomalies. Along with a biopsy for confirmation, diagnosis sometimes calls for imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and ERCP.
Location, size, and tumour spread all affect treatment. Among the options could include surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and—in certain cases— liver transplantation. Although it varies, if not found early, the prognosis is usually poor. Among the preventive measures are control of gallstones and liver disorders. Early detection and focused treatments to raise survival rates are the main areas of continuous research.