Gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma are both biliary cancers. They can cause the same symptoms, but causes and treatments can differ.
Gallbladder cancer is cancer of the gallbladder, while cholangiocarcinoma is bile duct cancer. They can both cause symptoms such as itchy skin, jaundice, darker urine, and more.
The conditions have different risk factors and treatments. Various tests can help a doctor diagnose the condition. They can then work with the individual to create a suitable treatment plan.
Read to learn more about gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, including the symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.
Gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma can cause similar symptoms. In both cases, symptoms may not be noticeable,
When symptoms do develop, they can include:
- jaundice
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal lumps or swelling
- loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss
- fever
- dark urine
- pale stool
- itchy skin
There are many possible causes of these symptoms. It is important to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
The exact causes of gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma are unclear. However, several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing the conditions.
Gallbladder cancer risk factors
Risk factors for gallbladder cancer can include:
- gallstones, the
most common risk factor - chronic inflammation in the gallbladder
- porcelain gallbladder, where calcium deposits cover the gallbladder wall
- biliary cysts
- problems with the pancreaticobiliary duct junction, which can cause juice from the pancreatic duct to flow back into the bile ducts
- gallbladder polyps
- chronic infections, specifically salmonella and Helicobacter (H. pylori)
- being assigned female at birth
- obesity
- being over the age of 65 years, with 72 years the average age at diagnosis
- exposure to toxins in cigarettes, radon, and aflatoxin
Cholangiocarcinoma risk factors
Risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma can include:
- primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), where bile duct inflammation causes sclerosis, or scarring
- bile duct stones (hepatolithiasis)
- choledochal cyst disease, a
rare condition that causes bile-filled sacs along the bile ducts - liver fluke infections, which can happen when eating undercooked fish that contains the parasites known as liver flukes
- unusual bile duct anatomy
- cirrhosis
- hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- some genetic conditions, such as:
- cystic fibrosis
- Lynch syndrome
- BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome
- multiple biliary papillomatosis
- older age, particularly in the 60s or 70s
- obesity
- exposure to Thorotrast (thorium dioxide), a radioactive substance
- diabetes
- alcohol consumption
Having any of the risk factors for gallbladder cancer or cholangiocarcinoma does not mean that they will definitely develop either condition. It is best to speak with a doctor if there are concerns about any of the risk factors.
If a person has symptoms that may point to gallbladder cancer or cholangiocarcinoma, a doctor will likely begin by performing a physical examination and asking questions about the symptoms.
They may then order various tests. Tests that can help diagnose gallbladder cancer
- blood tests to check bilirubin levels
- liver function tests
- tumor marker blood tests
- ultrasound
- computed tomography (CT) scan
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- cholangiography
- angiography
- laparoscopy
- biopsy, which may happen during an imaging test
Tests to help diagnose cholangiocarcinoma include:
- tumor markers and other blood tests
- ultrasound
- CT scan
- PET scan
- PET-CT scan
- MRI
- endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP)
- cholangioscopy
- percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC)
- laparoscopy
- biopsy
The doctor may order a combination of tests to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes. The doctor can provide more information about the tests they recommend and what they involve.
Treatments for gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma can depend on factors such as the stage of the cancer and the individual’s overall health.
Treatments a doctor may recommend for gallbladder cancer include:
- surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)
- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
- immunotherapy
- targeted therapy
Treatments for cholangiocarcinoma can include:
- surgery
- targeted therapy
- immunotherapy
- radiation therapy to help manage symptoms in severe cases
A person’s doctor will discuss their treatment options with them after diagnosis.
Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer, but it accounts for about
The
Cholangiocarcinoma is also rare. Doctors diagnose the condition in around
Gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma are both types of biliary cancers. They can cause symptoms such as jaundice, nausea, vomiting, darker urine, pale stools, itchy skin, and more.
Doctors may order blood tests and imaging tests to help diagnose the condition and rule out other possible causes. They can then advise on treatments.
Treatments for gallbladder cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Treatments for cholangiocarcinoma can include surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.