Gallbladder Cancer

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Imaging

Mayo Clinic uses several types of imaging studies and other state-of-the-art procedures to detect and evaluate gallbladder cancer.

Ultrasound

High-frequency sound waves can form images of the abdomen that identify a tumor. A technician places a wandlike device (transducer) on the surface of the abdomen while monitoring the image on the screen. This procedure is noninvasive and painless. In addition, physicians may use intraoperative ultrasound during surgery to locate areas of cancerous tissue within the biliary tract (gallbladder and bile ducts).

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

An ultrasound probe is passed through an endoscope (flexible tube) into the gastrointestinal tract. Sound waves are directed toward the gallbladder, and a computer translates them into images useful in identifying small gallbladder tumors and determining the disease's stage.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

CT scans generate cross-sectional images of the body that can show whether cancer has invaded other tissues or organs. All CT scanners at Mayo Clinic use spiral CT technology (an X-ray tube revolves around the patient) and several CT scanners use multi-detector row spiral technology. Spiral CT scans produce high-resolution images in any two-dimensional plane, whereas multi-detector row spiral CT scans can create high-resolution images in three dimensions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans

MRI technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver and tumor. This highly sensitive technology can identify small abnormalities in the gallbladder.

Biopsy

In a biopsy, a pathologist removes and examines a small tissue sample under a microscope. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) may be used to collect the tissue. During an FNA procedure a physician will administer local anesthetic and then gently guide a small needle through the skin and abdomen into the gallbladder. Ultrasound or CT scans help the radiologist locate the tumor.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Radioisotope-labeled sugar molecules are released into the bloodstream. Tumors typically pick up the sugar molecules, and appear as "hot spots" on the scan. The PET scan identifies areas where the radioactive molecules have accumulated.