Gallbladder cancer B-ultrasound manifestations

Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Gallbladder cancer can be diagnosed using ultrasound. On ultrasound, this type of gallbladder cancer can generally be divided into three types. One type is the thick-walled gallbladder cancer, which appears as uneven thickening of the gallbladder wall, resembling thick, non-elastic leather. The second type is the mass-forming type, which is relatively easier to diagnose. It appears as a solid mass taking over the entire gallbladder, often invading the nearby liver, and the normal shape of the gallbladder has disappeared. The third type is the intraluminal type, where on ultrasound, you can see the tumor attached to the gallbladder wall, which is relatively wider and larger.

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Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
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Can cholecystitis be detected by color ultrasound?

If there is gallbladder cancer, usually an ultrasonography of the liver and gallbladder or the upper abdomen can detect it. Conditions such as gallbladder cancer or liver cancer are often initially discovered and diagnosed through ultrasound. Of course, the final confirmation of diagnosis is usually achieved through pathological examination after surgery. However, in terms of initial diagnosis, it is very common to identify these conditions through ultrasound. Gallbladder cancer typically presents certain characteristic changes, such as obvious thickening of the gallbladder wall, extensive thickening including sclerosis, and significant soft tissue mass growth extending to and adhering to the liver, which are strong indicators of gallbladder cancer. Additionally, a large polyp may be seen inside the gallbladder, and surgical removal at this stage may diagnose early gallbladder cancer.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Early symptoms and warning signs of gallbladder cancer.

Patients with early-stage gallbladder cancer generally do not display specific symptoms or obvious precursors. Some patients may experience digestive symptoms such as abdominal bloating, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting, but these are often overlooked. Thus, by the time gallbladder cancer is diagnosed, it is usually at an advanced stage, where the pain becomes significant and is one of the main reasons patients seek medical attention. Additionally, some patients may experience weight loss and even develop cachexia. Gallbladder cancer is a highly malignant tumor with rapid progression and a tendency to metastasize to other parts of the body, resulting in a very poor prognosis. Therefore, once diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, it is crucial to complete relevant examinations, rule out any contraindications for surgery, and proceed with surgical removal as soon as possible.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Is gallbladder cancer prone to spreading?

Gallbladder cancer is a type of cancer that is prone to spreading and is of a higher malignancy level. It is difficult to detect in the early stages. Patients with gallbladder cancer may initially present with subtle right upper abdominal pain, which is often overlooked. Therefore, once diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, it generally has reached the mid to late stages. At this time, the patient's pain becomes significant, which is the primary reason for seeking medical attention. Gallbladder cancer progresses rapidly and is prone to metastasize to other locations, such as the liver, leading to liver dysfunction, jaundice, ascites, hypoalbuminemia, and more. Additionally, for gallbladder cancer, the treatment strategy emphasizes early surgical removal to achieve better therapeutic outcomes.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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What foods can someone with gallbladder cancer eat?

Patients with gallbladder cancer should pay attention to the following points in their diet: 1. Patients with gallbladder cancer should avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, barbecue, and garlic. They should primarily consume a light diet, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, as these are rich in vitamins and can promote gastrointestinal motility, maintain smooth bowel movements, and prevent intestinal obstruction. 2. The diet of gallbladder cancer patients should also include some foods high in protein, such as eggs, lean meat, and fish, because these foods can supplement the albumin needed by the human body, enhance the patient's resistance, and thus be beneficial for the recovery of the condition.

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Written by Shen Jiang Chao
Radiology
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The main manifestations of gallbladder cancer on MRI

Gallbladder cancer is more common in females and is generally believed to be associated with chronic stimulation from chronic cholecystitis and gallstones. On MRI, gallbladder cancer can be categorized into several types based on case classification and growth patterns: first, the infiltrative type; second, the nodular type; third, the mass-forming type; and fourth, the obstructive type. Regardless of the pathological type of gallbladder cancer, the tumor tissue appears as a heterogeneous low signal on T1 and a heterogeneous high signal on T2. After enhancement, the tumor shows heterogeneous enhancement. If there is invasion into the liver, the boundary with liver tissue is unclear. MRI has significant advantages in assessing invasion of adjacent organs and metastasis, and can provide great value for surgery or treatment planning.