The Hodes Comprehensive Liver and Pancreas Center at St. Joseph has a highly experienced team of gastroenterologists and radiologists who perform the blood tests, diagnostic imaging and biopsies needed to diagnose liver and pancreatic cancer. Our skilled doctors can make all the difference in making an early diagnosis and starting an effective treatment plan.

Gallbladder cancer is the sixth most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. It is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract. Female patients are three to four times more common than male patients.

The etiology of gallbladder cancer is not known. Gallstones are present in 75% of patients. Stones larger than 3 centimeters are also implicated as a risk factor.

Management of gallbladder cancer is mainly surgical. With early lesions (T1), simple cholecystectomy is usually all that is required. More advanced disease (T2-3) requires resection of the surrounding liver in addition to portal lymph nodes. Advanced tumors (T4) require extended hepatic resection, resection of the common bile duct and portal lymph node dissection. Occasionally reconstruction of the portal vein is necessary.

Here at St. Joseph Medical Center, Our surgical team members are experts in managing gallbladder cancer patients.

» Read more about the Gallbladder Cancer.