Gallbladder cancer ultrasonographic appearance

Written by Shen Jiang Chao
Radiology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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The appearance of gallbladder cancer on color ultrasound depends on the morphology of the cancer, which is mainly divided into five types: small nodular, thick-wall, fragmented, calculous, and mixed type. The small nodular type mainly features a polypoid elevation with a wide base, about 1-1.2 cm in size, and has isoechoic characteristics. The fragmented type is characterized by a wider base and irregular borders, presenting as hypoechoic or isoechoic masses. The calculous type shows an enlarged gallbladder, possibly containing hypoechoic and uneven solid masses that may fill the entire gallbladder. The thick-wall type primarily involves localized or diffuse thickening of the wall. The mixed type is a combination of papillary fragmented type and thick-wall type presence.

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Gallbladder cancer B-ultrasound manifestations

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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Difference between early-stage and mid-stage gallbladder cancer

For gallbladder cancer, its staging is mainly based on the size of the tumor and whether there are metastases to other parts of the body, including lymph node metastases. In early-stage gallbladder cancer patients, the tumor is generally small and there are no metastases to other parts of the body. At this stage, patients typically do not show specific symptoms. Additionally, for patients with mid-stage gallbladder cancer, they may experience discomfort or dull pain in the upper right abdomen, and may also experience weight loss, possibly even developing cachexia. Therefore, gallbladder cancer patients can undergo surgical removal and a pathological examination can provide a better assessment of the pathological stage, leading to a better treatment plan.

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Can people with gallbladder cancer eat dragon fruit?

Patients with gallbladder cancer can eat dragon fruit. Dragon fruit is a type of fruit that is rich in vitamins and trace elements, which can be beneficial for recovery. It can help reduce inflammatory irritation and prevent the condition from worsening. Additionally, the diet for patients with gallbladder cancer should be light, primarily consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits. However, spicy and irritating foods should be avoided to reduce inflammation. It is also appropriate to supplement the diet with protein-rich foods, such as eggs, lean meats, and fish, to replenish the proteins needed by the body, enhance the patient's resistance, and facilitate recovery from the illness.

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Gallbladder cancer skin itching area

Patients with gallbladder cancer may develop obstructive jaundice as the tumor size increases, which can manifest as yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, dark urine, and pale stools. Patients may also experience itching and discomfort. For these patients, the treatment effectiveness is generally poor, and gallbladder cancer is a type of malignancy that tends to metastasize and has a very poor prognosis. Once symptoms are prominent, treatment becomes relatively difficult and less effective. It is advisable for gallbladder cancer patients to undergo surgical resection as early as possible to improve their prognosis. However, the onset of gallbladder cancer is often insidious and frequently overlooked.

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What should I do if gallbladder cancer causes itchy skin?

Gallbladder cancer patients may experience skin itching, as they often develop secondary obstructive jaundice. This can lead to lighter stool color, darker urine color, yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, and generalized itching. For treatment, surgery should be performed for better therapeutic outcomes. Although medications to reduce jaundice can be used for symptomatic treatment, surgery is generally advocated, especially for early-stage gallbladder cancer patients without significant metastasis, where early surgical removal can significantly improve prognosis. Additionally, since malignant tumors are a consumptive disease, it is advisable for patients to consume a diet high in protein, such as eggs, lean meat, and fish, to supplement the proteins needed by the body and enhance the patient's immunity.