Gallbladder Cancer Treatment
Innovative Gallbladder Treatment Options Tailored to the Patient
When it comes to gallbladder cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions,
expert evaluation is vital to
accurately diagnose gallbladder cancer and then determine the best course of treatment for
the individual patient.
At Hoag, our
multidisciplinary team of gastrointestinal experts works together to thoroughly review and determine the best treatment option
suited to each individual patient. The Hoag-USC team then carefully tailors
a personalized treatment plan to effectively achieve the best possible
outcome for the patient. This emphasis on a collaborative, comprehensive
approach to patient-centered care is why Hoag patient outcomes rank are
among the nation’s best.
Once gallbladder cancer is diagnosed, important staging tests are performed
to determine if the cancer has spread, and if so, to what extent. The
type of treatment recommended depends upon the stage of the cancer and
may include options such as:
Radical Cholecystectomy
Surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a radical cholecystectomy.
In addition to removing the gallbladder, part of the liver, the common
bile duct and lymph nodes near the gallbladder are also removed.
At Hoag, our multidisciplinary team of gastrointestinal experts utilize
the latest surgical options including minimally invasive laparoscopic
procedures. Utilizing laparoscopic cholecystectomy is important because
early stage gallbladder cancers are more frequently detected as a result
of this procedure. Patients who are found to have gallbladder cancer after
laparoscopic cholecystectomy are then evaluated for a second operation where radical removal of the
cancer is performed.
Published studies have shown that up to half the patients will have recurrence
in their gallbladder bed if a curative surgical procedure is not performed.
The type surgery and extent of surgery will depend on the stage of gallbladder
cancer detected in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy specimen.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Radiation is most often administered from a source outside the body. As
a nationally recognized leader in state-of-the-art radiation therapies,
Hoag’s radiation oncology program is yet another example of the
institute’s commitment to excellence in innovative cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter
the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells,
but also some healthy cells. Chemotherapy is not considered curative for
gallbladder cancer, but may relieve symptoms in some patients.
Combined Modality Therapy (CMT)
CMT is a term gaining popularity and meaning several treatments at once
or in succession. Although no one has shown that chemotherapy and radiation
therapy at the same time are better than radiation therapy alone in the
treatment of gallbladder cancer, CMT is better with many other kinds of cancers.
The Most Advanced Treatment Options Are Now Available in Orange County!
When it comes to seeking out the most advanced the most advanced, academic-level
gastrointestinal care, there is no longer any need to travel long distances.
Hoag offers the latest in state-of-the-art diagnosis and leading-edge
treatment options that may not be readily available at other centers,
including participation in clinical trials that helps to bring advanced
gastrointestinal care to even more patients.
Perhaps the most distinguishing aspect of Hoag’s advanced treatment
of gastrointestinal conditions is that in each and every case, treatment
is always specifically tailored to the meet the unique needs of the individual patient.
Experience You Can Trust!
Hoag continues to lead the way in complex GI care, providing access to
a highly specialized surgical team that works collaboratively with Hoag-affiliated
thoracic surgeons, gastroenterologists and medical oncology specialists
to provide academic-level care. 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.
To schedule a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, or a second-opinion
consultation with a Hoag gastroesophageal expert, call us at: 888-566-9712.