Gallbladder cancer natural history

Disease Course
Most tumors are adenocarcinomas, with a small percent being squamous cell carcinomas. The cancer commonly spreads to the liver, pancreas, stomach,and duodenum.

Prognosis
The prognosis for any treated cancer patient with progressing or recurrent gallbladder cancer is poor. The question and selection of further treatment depends on many factors: tumor burden, prior treatment, site of recurrence, and individual patient considerations. Patients may have portal hypertension caused by portal vein compression by the tumor. Transperitoneal and intrahepatic metastases are not uncommon. Clinical trials are appropriate and should be considered when possible.