Gallbladder Cancer Care
What is Gallbladder Cancer?
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that lies beneath the liver and stores bile, a fluid that is involved in the digestive process. Gallbladder cancer is a relatively rare disease in which cells begin to grow in the gallbladder in an unregulated manner.
Cancer occurs when cells in the body (in this case gallbladder cells) divide without control or order. The uncontrolled growth of these cells may result in a tumor within the gallbladder that often invades surrounding tissue.
Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms
Often, gallbladder cancer does not cause symptoms during early stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms associated with biliary obstruction often develop, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the upper back
- Jaundice (yellowing of the “whites” of the eyes, the skin, under the tongue
Other gallbladder cancer symptoms may include:
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Liver and spleen enlargement
- Increased abdominal girth
Groundbreaking Clinical Trials & Research
Hoag leads innovative clinical trials, including immunotherapy agents, all pushing for more advanced, effective care for gallbladder cancer patients.
Risk Factors for Gallbladder Cancer
The following are the most common risk factors for gallbladder cancer:
- History of gallstones or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder
- Being a female
- Being of Native American or Hispanic descent
- History of Gallbladder polyps
- Anatomic abnormalities of the gallbladder and ducts, including choledochal cysts
Expert Care You Can Trust
Hoag’s committed to accurate diagnosis, combined with progressive therapeutic options enables Hoag patients to achieve some of the highest clinical outcomes in the nation.
Gallbladder Cancer Nurse Navigator
A clinical nurse navigator serves an important role as facilitator and guide for patients, providing resources, access to clinical providers and answering questions throughout the cancer journey.
Meet the Team
Your multidisciplinary gallbladder cancer team at Hoag will guide you every step of the way through your care. We are here for you.
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Robert R. Selby, M.D. General Surgery
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Diana L. Hanna, MD Oncology
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Tara E. Seery, MD Oncology
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Phuong T. Nguyen, M.D. Internal Medicine
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Paul J. Korc, MD Gastroenterology
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Diane Eadie, R.N., B.S.N. GI Nurse Navigator
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Peter V. Chen, M.D. Radiation Oncology
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Brian S. Kim, M.D. Radiation Oncology
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Shane A. Lloyd, MD Radiation Oncology
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Kevin Lin, MD Radiation Oncology
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Craig A. Cox, M.D. Radiation Oncology
We are here for you
Cancer care is a journey, one taken by you, your family and friends, and alongside Hoag. Hoag Family Cancer Institute can pair you with a dedicated clinical nurse navigator to support you with resources, connections to providers, and most importantly, help make you feel like you again.