Anton Bilchik Discusses Gallbladder Cancer Tests

Anton Bilchik Discusses Gallbladder Cancer Tests

As one the nation’s leading cancer surgery experts, Anton Bilchik MD uses a variety of tests to identify and diagnose gallbladder cancer. He also uses tests to stage gallbladder cancer, which means to determine how far the cancer has spread. These tests help Dr. Bilchik determine if surgery will help the patient. As with other cancers, early detection of gallbladder cancer improves treatment outcomes. Gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect early, because it does not usually cause symptoms in the earliest stages

Gallbladder Cancer Tests

Anton Bilchik may order several different types of tests that look for signs of gallbladder cancer. Blood tests look for unusual levels of certain substances in the bloodstream. Imaging tests help Dr. Bilchik visualize the gallbladder to help him see tumors. Other tests allow him to take biopsies and tissue samples to send for further laboratory testing

Blood tests

Dr. Bilchik may order liver function tests that measure the levels of certain substances created in the liver and released into the bloodstream. Levels that are higher than normal may indicate liver disease resulting from gallbladder cancer.

The doctor may order a CEA assay that measures carcinoembryonic antigen, a substance released by both healthy cells and cancer cells; high levels of CEA may indicate gallbladder cancer or other conditions. A CA 19-9 assay works in much the same way

Imaging Tests

A CT scan takes a series of detailed pictures of a patient’s gallbladder. In an abdominal ultrasound, a technician bounces high-energy sound waves off the gallbladder to create pictures known as sonograms. Anton Bilchik may perform a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, or PTC, by injecting dye through a needle into the liver and bile ducts; if the test shows a blockage in the bile duct that prevents bile from moving to the gallbladder, Dr. Bilchik may insert a tube to drain bile.

Other Tests

Dr. Bilchik may perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, by passing a thin tube through the mouth, past the stomach, and into the first part of the small intestine. He then passes smaller catheter through the tube and up into the bile ducts leading from the liver and gallbladder. If the ERCP shows a blockage, Anton Bilchik can take tissue specimens and leave in a stent to hold the bile duct open.

Anton Bilchik also uses laparoscopy to diagnose gallbladder cancer. In this procedure, Dr. Bilchik passes a tiny, lighted tube through a small incision in the abdomen. He can pass other instruments through this tube that help him remove organs or take biopsies. Anton Bilchik may use laparoscopy to find out if cancer has spread outside of the gallbladder.