Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancers: 4 Things to Know

• Learn how to lower your risk

  Although gallbladder and bile duct cancers are different diseases, they’re often discussed together. They each have a connection to bile, a fluid that helps with digestion, and treatments are often similar.

  Because these cancers are rare, many people aren’t aware of them—or how much difference the right treatment can make. Here are four things everyone should know about gallbladder and bile duct cancers:

  Anyone can be affected 

  For the most part, the risk factors for gallbladder and bile duct cancers are different, but one they have in common affects everyone: age. The chances of being diagnosed with gallbladder or bile duct cancer increase the older you get. 

  Other risk factors common to both types of cancer include obesity, smoking, and having a family history of one of these types of cancers.

  Gallbladder cancer is also linked to certain health conditions, such as:

  • Gallstones. Women have a higher risk of developing gallstones, which is likely the reason these cancers are much more common in women than in men. 

  • Gallbladder polyps. The larger a gallbladder polyp is, the higher the risk that it may harbor cancer.

  • Porcelain gallbladder. This condition occurs when calcium deposits form in the wall of the gallbladder.  

  Bile duct cancer risk is linked to certain health conditions as well, including:

  • Inflammatory conditions, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).

  • Congenital malformations of the bile ducts.

  • Hepatitis B and C and other chronic infections.

  Early detection is difficult

  Gallbladder and bile duct cancers often don’t cause symptoms at first, which makes them hard to detect in the early stages of the disease. 

  One of the most common symptoms that leads to a gallbladder or bile duct cancer diagnosis is jaundice. When bile duct or gallbladder cancer grows to block the bile ducts, it causes jaundice—yellowing of the skin and of the whites of the eyes. 

  People also may experience pain, particularly with gallbladder cancer. This often occurs when the cancer leads to blockages in the gallbladder, preventing it from working well. 

  Because these cancers are often diagnosed in their later stages, the right treatment is crucial. That’s why, if you have gallbladder or bile duct cancer, one of the best things you can do is be seen at a cancer center that has a team with expertise in these diseases. 

  Fox Chase Cancer Center is home to leading-edge treatments

  Surgery usually offers the best chance for treatment success. Fox Chase has dedicated programs with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons, who are experts in the very complex surgeries that are involved with these conditions. 

  When surgery isn’t possible, Fox Chase offers other options, such as photodynamic laser therapy—using a laser light to treat tumors inside the bile ducts. Outcomes have been shown to be better than with chemotherapy alone and similar to outcomes with surgery. 

  Fox Chase medical oncologists are also pioneers in chemotherapy and immunotherapy for these cancers. 

  You can reduce your risk 

  A healthy lifestyle can help prevent bile duct and gallbladder cancers. To reduce your risk:

  • Avoid tobacco. If you smoke, ask for help quitting. 

  • Maintain a healthy weight. Eating well, along with being physically active, may help with weight control. 

  • Know how your health history affects your risk. If you have PSC or a history of gallstones, ask your doctor about how you can help prevent gallbladder or bile duct cancer.

  Get the specialized care you need

  Fox Chase provides opportunities for successful treatment that may not be available elsewhere. 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 Fox Chase, call 877-627-9684 or request an appointment online.