Laboratory examination methods for gallbladder cancer

The early symptoms of gallbladder cancer are extremely atypical and difficult to diagnose. It is easy to be confused with chronic cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. Gallbladder cancer should be considered in patients with progressively worsening right upper abdominal pain, obvious gastrointestinal symptoms, local palpable gallbladder masses, progressive jaundice, and obvious weight loss. The laboratory examination methods for gallbladder cancer mainly include the following three items:

1. Liver function test

Liver function tests can help understand liver function and identify the nature of jaundice. Jaundice caused by gallbladder cancer is mostly obstructive.

2. Cytological examination

There are two methods of cytological examination: direct biopsy or bile extraction to find cancer cells. Direct biopsy methods include: gallbladder lesion puncture under B-ultrasound guidance, percutaneous cholecystoscopy, etc.; there are more methods to extract bile, such as bile extraction under ERCP, gallbladder puncture under B-ultrasound guidance, PTCD, choledochoscopy, etc.

3. Tumor marker test

The CEA positive rate of gallbladder cancer is 100%. The serum CEA value of patients with advanced gallbladder cancer can reach 9.6ng/ml, but it is of no value in early diagnosis. Tumor sugar antigens such as CA19-9, CA125, and CA15-3 can only be used as auxiliary examinations for gallbladder cancer.