Gallbladder and bile duct cancers are both rare. And Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine see many patients with these cancers every year. They are not rare to us.
If you have gallbladder or bile duct cancer, we will take care of you. We have the experience you need. We will make a plan to help you feel better now and in the future.
About Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancers
The gallbladder is a small organ that stores bile. Bile is a substance that we need to digest our food. The liver makes bile, and the bile duct carries it from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the pancreas.
Cancers that happen in the gallbladder and/or bile ducts don’t always cause symptoms right away. But as the cancer grows, patients can feel uncomfortable.
Bile duct cancer is also called “cholangiocarcinoma.” Together, gallbladder and bile duct cancers are called “biliary tract cancers.” They develop from the same type of cells.
Types of bile duct cancer
There are three main types of bile duct cancer. They happen in different parts of the bile ducts.
- Intrahepatic Bile Duct: These cancers develop in the bile ducts located inside the liver.
- Perihilar Bile Duct Cancer: This type of cancer happens where the bile ducts in the liver meet.
- Distal Bile Duct Cancer: Distal bile duct cancers develop in the main branch of the bile duct that extends beyond the liver and into the pancreas. They also form in the bile ducts inside the pancreas itself.
How do gallbladder and bile duct cancers develop?
Gallbladder and bile duct cancers develop when a cell in either the gallbladder or bile duct has a genetic change. The genetic change makes the cell abnormal. The abnormal cell starts to multiply very fast. It makes more and more abnormal cells. Over time, the abnormal cells form a lump called a tumor.
Why Choose Siteman?
For over 25 years, Siteman Cancer Center has been a regional and national leader in cancer care. We are the only cancer center in the region to be recognized as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks us among the top cancer facilities in the nation.
Our approach brings together exceptional WashU Medicine physicians, cutting-edge medicine, clinical trials, and a compassionate touch. When you come to us, you are more than your diagnosis. We see you as the unique person you are, and your treatments will reflect that.
Proactive Treatments
In many cases, patients don’t learn that they have gallbladder cancer until they’ve had their gallbladder removed for a different condition, such as gallstones.
At Siteman, we recognize that these patients aren’t cured. Even though their gallbladder is gone, their cancer is likely to return. To prevent their cancer from coming back, we treat these patients with chemotherapy as soon as possible.
Expert Physicians and Staff
When you come to Siteman, your doctors will be highly-ranked WashU Medicine physicians. They’ll work as a team to make a treatment plan for you. This team-based approach is called “multidisciplinary care.” Every physician on your team will have extensive experience treating gallbladder and biliary tract cancers. They study these cancers in the laboratory and lead clinical trials.
At Siteman, you can be confident that your treatment plan will be thorough, evidence-based, and grounded in the latest research.
You’ll also benefit from the care of a knowledgeable support staff, including nurse practitioners, psychologists, and cancer navigators. We want you to feel confident and comfortable throughout your treatments.
HAI Pump Therapy
HAI (hepatic arterial infusion) pump therapy is an advanced treatment for bile duct cancers. It delivers chemotherapy into the main artery of the liver, which also carries blood to the bile ducts. This allows the drug to travel straight to the tumor site and kill cancer cells.
HAI pump therapy can be complex. You need skilled, experienced providers to perform it. At Siteman, we excel at HAI pump therapy. You’ll get the most out of your treatment.
Clinical Trials
Every cancer treatment we use today was tested in a clinical trial first. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new drugs and procedures. They allow patients to get the newest treatments before they are available everywhere. Sometimes, clinical trials create new opportunities for patients. They can improve outcomes and quality of life during and after treatment.
WashU Medicine physicians and researchers at Siteman lead more clinical trials than any other center in the region. When you come to us, your team will see if any trials could be a good match for you.
Our Siteman care coordinators – oncology-trained nurses who help with scheduling, finding the right specialist, and guidance – can help you through the process.
Call us directly or submit a form, and we will call you back.
