How We Diagnose Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is difficult to diagnose because the gallbladder is hidden behind other organs in the abdomen. Symptoms of gallbladder cancer may resemble other gallbladder diseases such as gallstones or infection, which in some cases may result in no symptoms in the early stages.

Diagnostic tests are needed to determine whether symptoms are, in fact, gallbladder cancer. If cancer is found, additional tests may be used to assess the stage of the disease, specifically, how advanced the cancer is, and whether it has metastasized (spread outside the esophagus ).
  • Ultrasound exam: High-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes that form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. An abdominal ultrasound is done to diagnose gallbladder cancer.
  • Liver function tests: Blood samples are analyzed to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by the liver. A higher than normal amount of a substance can be a sign of liver disease that may be caused by gallbladder cancer.
  • Laparoscopy: This surgical staging procedure is used to examine internal organs. An incision is made in the abdominal wall and a thin, lighted tube called a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen. Tissue samples and lymph nodes may be removed for biopsy.