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Staging of gallbladder cancer. How is gallbladder cancer staged?
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Dr. Edward Cheung, MD
403 W Adams BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90007 Surgery
Expert Medical Information
There are two methods for staging gallbladder cancer. One is the Nevin staging, which is based on the depth and scope of lesion invasion and is mainly divided into five stages.
1. Stage I: carcinoma in situ within the mucosa
2. Stage II: invasion of the mucosa and muscular layer
3. Stage III: invasion of the entire layer of the gallbladder wall
4. Stage IV: invasion of the entire layer of the gallbladder wall with regional lymph node metastasis
5. Stage V: invasion of the liver and metastasis to other organs
The other is the TNM staging, which divides gallbladder cancer into four stages and is relatively more complex.
1. Stage I: invasion of the mucosa and muscular layer
2. Stage II: invasion of the entire layer of the gallbladder wall
3. Stage III: invasion of the liver less than 0.79 inches (2 centimeters) with regional lymph node metastasis
4. Stage IVA: invasion of the liver more than 0.79 inches (2 centimeters)
5. Stage IVB: distant lymph node or organ metastasis
Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, and discomfort in the affected area. Always consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and possibly laboratory tests or imaging studies depending on the suspected cause.
Treatment options vary based on the specific condition, severity, and individual health factors. They may include medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgical intervention.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms, rapid worsening of condition, or if self-care measures aren't providing relief within a reasonable timeframe.