Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancers: 4 Things to Know
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What increases risk (and what doesn’t) and what treatment can look like today
By Jason Castellanos, MD, MS, FACS, and Anthony Villano, MD, FACS
As physicians who treat gallbladder and bile duct cancers, Jason Castellanos, MD, MS, FACS, and Anthony Villano, MD, FACS, believe awareness is critical—and that the right treatment can make a real difference.
“Although they are different diseases, gallbladder and bile duct cancers are often discussed together,” Dr. Castellanos says.
“That’s because both involve bile, a fluid that helps with digestion,” Dr. Villano explains. “And treatments for bile duct and gallbladder cancers can be similar.”
Here are four things they want everyone to know about gallbladder and bile duct cancers.
1. Anyone can be affected.
Risk factors for gallbladder and bile duct cancers differ, but one they share affects everyone: age.
“Your risk increases as you get older,” Dr. Villano notes. “Gallbladder cancer is more common among people 65 and older. It’s common for patients to be diagnosed in their early 70s.”
Other risk factors shared by both cancers include excess weight, smoking, and a family history of these cancers.
As Dr. Castellano points out, besides these factors, gallbladder cancer risk is linked to certain health conditions, such as gallstones.
“Gallbladder cancer is more common in women, in part because gallstones are more common in women,” Dr. Castellano says. “Larger gallstones are also associated with gallbladder cancer in both women and men.”
Other health conditions linked to increased risk of gallbladder cancer include:
Gallbladder polyps. The larger a gallbladder polyp is, the higher the risk that it may be cancerous.
Porcelain gallbladder. This condition occurs when calcium deposits form in the wall of the gallbladder.
Bile duct cancer risk is also linked to certain health conditions, including:
Inflammatory conditions, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
Congenital malformations of the bile ducts
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other chronic infections
2. Early detection is difficult.
One of the biggest challenges Dr. Castellano and Dr. Villano see with gallbladder and bile duct cancers is that these diseases often don’t cause symptoms at first. That makes them hard to detect early.
“Even so, it’s important to pay attention to your body and tell your doctor about new or worsening symptoms as soon as possible,” Dr. Castellano urges “That’s something I always tell my patients.”
One common symptom that can lead to a diagnosis: jaundice. When a tumor in the gallbladder or bile duct blocks the bile ducts, it can cause this condition — yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
“Some people may also experience pain, especially with gallbladder cancer,” Dr. Castellano continues. “This can happen when the cancer causes a blockage in the gallbladder, preventing it from working properly.”
Because these cancers are often diagnosed at later stages, getting the right treatment plan is crucial.
“That’s why, if you have gallbladder or bile duct cancer, one of the best steps you can take is to be seen at a cancer center with a team that specializes in these diseases,” Dr. Villano says.
3. Fox Chase Cancer Center offers advanced treatment options.
When it comes to treating gallbladder and bile duct cancers, surgery often offers the best chance for long-term control. As Dr. Castellanos and Dr. Villano share with their patients, Fox Chase is an experienced center for these operations, with dedicated hepatobiliary surgeons who routinely perform these complex procedures.
When surgery isn’t possible, Fox Chase offers other options. One is photodynamic therapy — using laser light delivered through an endoscope to treat tumors inside the bile ducts.
“For some patients, this approach can help relieve bile duct blockages and may improve outcomes when used alongside other treatments,” Dr. Villano says.
Not many centers in our region can offer photodynamic therapy.
Fox Chase medical oncologists also have deep experience with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials for these cancers.
4. You can reduce your risk.
“When we’re asked how to lower the risk of bile duct or gallbladder cancer, we emphasize healthy, practical habits,” Dr. Castellanos says.
Here are a few steps that may help:
Avoid tobacco. If you smoke, ask your care team for help quitting.
Maintain a healthy weight. Eating well and staying physically active can support weight control. Your provider can help you understand what a healthy weight looks like for you.
Know how your health history affects your risk. If you have PSC or a history of gallstones, ask your doctor what steps you can take to lower your risk. In some cases, physicians may recommend removing the gallbladder to reduce cancer risk in people with large gallstones or gallbladder polyps.
“We recommend telling your doctor about any family history of gallbladder or bile duct cancer,” Dr. Villano says.
Get the specialized care you need
Have you been diagnosed with gallbladder or bile duct cancer? Fox Chase offers specialized expertise and treatment options that may not be available at every hospital. And even when a cure isn’t possible, the right treatment can help patients live longer and improve their quality of life.
To connect with a specialist at Fox Chase, call 888-369-2427 or request an appointment online.
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