Squamous cell carcinoma of gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract

Squamous cell carcinoma of the gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that starts in the flat, scale-like cells lining the gallbladder or the bile ducts outside the liver. The bile ducts are tubes that carry bile — a digestive fluid — from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. This cancer is sometimes called squamous cell carcinoma of the biliary tract or SCC of the gallbladder. It is different from the more common adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder, which starts in gland-forming cells. Squamous cell carcinoma makes up only a small fraction of all gallbladder and bile duct cancers. This cancer often grows silently in its early stages, which means many people are not diagnosed until the disease has already spread. When symptoms do appear, they can include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), belly pain, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. The gallbladder sits under the liver on the right side of the abdomen, and tumors there can block the flow of bile, causing a buildup that leads to jaundice and digestive problems. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor when possible, along with chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy. Unfortunately, because this cancer is often found late, the outlook can be challenging. Research into better treatments is ongoing, and care from a specialized cancer team can make a meaningful difference in quality of life and outcomes.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What stage is my cancer, and has it spread beyond the gallbladder or bile ducts?,Is surgery an option for me, and what would that involve?,What chemotherapy or other treatments do you recommend, and what are the side effects?,Should my tumor be tested for specific mutations that might make me eligible for targeted therapy or a clinical trial?,Are there clinical trials I should consider?,What signs or symptoms should prompt me to call you or go to the emergency room?,What palliative or supportive care services are available to help manage my symptoms and quality of life?

Common questions about Squamous cell carcinoma of gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract