Treatments for gallbladder cancer
If you have gallbladder cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for gallbladder cancer, your healthcare team will consider if the cancer:
- can be completely removed with surgery (is resectable)
- cannot be completely removed with surgery (is unresectable)
Most gallbladder cancers are found at a late stage where the cancer has spread and cannot be completely removed with surgery.
Treatments for resectable gallbladder cancer
The following are treatment options for resectable gallbladder cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for unresectable gallbladder cancer
The following are treatment options for unresectable gallbladder cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Treatments for recurrent gallbladder cancer
The following are treatment options for recurrent gallbladder cancer. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer.
Surgery for gallbladder cancer
Surgery is sometimes used to treat gallbladder cancer. The type of surgery depends mainly on the size of the tumour and stage of the cancer. Learn about the different types of cholecystectomy.
Radiation therapy for gallbladder cancer
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used to treat gallbladder cancer.
Chemotherapy for gallbladder cancer
Chemotherapy uses anticancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Most people with gallbladder cancer have chemotherapy.
Follow-up after treatment for gallbladder cancer
Gallbladder cancer behaves differently in each person, and a standard follow-up schedule would not work for everyone. People with gallbladder cancer should talk to their doctor about a follow-up plan that suits their individual situation. Follow-up care is often shared among the cancer specialists and your family doctor.