Which laboratory index is used to observe gallbladder cancer?

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on May 10, 2025
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Patients with gallbladder cancer may exhibit significantly elevated tumor markers, particularly carcinoembryonic antigen, although this is not absolute. For gallbladder cancer, its diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms, physical examination, and auxiliary examinations. Early-stage gallbladder cancer generally does not have specific manifestations, but in the late stage, there can be significant right abdominal pain, localized tenderness, and rebound pain. At this time, further examinations such as CT and MRI can provide a clear diagnosis. In the blood system, that is, in blood tests, a significant increase in carcinoembryonic antigen may occur. Patients with gallbladder cancer should undergo surgical treatment as soon as possible.

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Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
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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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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Will CA199 also be high with gallbladder cancer?

Gallbladder cancer CA199 levels are likely to be elevated. In the case of gallbladder cancer, it is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. When tumor markers are evaluated, an increase in CA199 can be observed. For patients with gallbladder cancer, it is advisable to undergo surgical removal as early as possible to improve prognosis. Generally, early-stage gallbladder cancer patients do not show specific symptoms, and some may only experience upper abdominal bloating and discomfort, which is often overlooked. Therefore, once diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, it is usually at a mid-to-late stage. At this point, treatment can only be symptomatic and not curative, and the treatment outcome is relatively poor. However, active management is still necessary to prevent the worsening of the condition.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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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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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Do patients with gallbladder cancer need to have separate meals from their family members?

Patients with gallbladder cancer do not need to eat separately from their family. Although it is necessary for gallbladder cancer patients to avoid spicy and stimulating foods to reduce inflammatory irritation and better control the progression of the disease, this is especially true for symptomatic gallstone patients, who can control the disease progression through diet without special treatment, simply needing regular follow-up with ultrasonography to monitor changes in size. If significant symptoms occur, surgery is needed to achieve a cure, so treatment is relatively complex and focuses on usual dietary habits. Additionally, patients with gallbladder cancer should consume foods that are rich in protein to supplement the energy needed by the body.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Is jaundice a sign of advanced gallbladder cancer?

If a patient with gallbladder cancer exhibits jaundice, it does not necessarily mean the cancer is in its late stages. As the cancer grows, it may compress the bile duct, leading to obstructive jaundice. This can result in lighter-colored stools, darker urine, and yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, and even cause itchy skin. Therefore, it is not necessarily indicative of advanced gallbladder cancer. Of course, if a patient with late-stage gallbladder cancer experiences liver metastasis, this might also manifest as yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body. At this point, it is necessary to carry out thorough examinations, common tests including abdominal CT scans and ultrasounds, which can better assess the condition. If metastasis is present, even systemic chemotherapy might be required to achieve a better treatment outcome.