Gallbladder Cancer - Glossary

Adenocarcinoma: A cancer that develops in glandular (fluid-producing) tissue, or the lining or inner surface of an organ. Most breast cancers are adenocarcinomas.

Papillary tumor: A tumor shaped like a small mushroom with its stem attached to the inner lining of the bladder.

Lymph nodes: Part of the lymphatic system; bean-shaped organs, found in the underarm, groin, neck, and abdomen, that act as filters for the lymph fluid as it passes through them.

Resection: Surgical removal of an organ or tissue.

Gallstone: A round, hard mass of cholesterol, bile, or calcium salts that is found in the gallbladder or a bile duct

Oncogenes: Genes present in normal cells that, upon exposure to cancer-inducing factors may lead to development of tumors.

Tumor Suppressor Gene: Genes in the body that can suppress or block the development of cancer.

Carcino embryonic Antigen Peptide-1: CAP-1. A protein that can stimulate an immune response to certain tumors.

Tumor marker: A substance detectable in the blood or urine that suggests the presence of cancer. Examples are alphafetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Cholangiogram: Radiographic imaging of the bile ducts after the direct injection of radio-opaque dye.

Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Cholangitis: Inflammation of the biliary tract (bile ducts).

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: ERCP. A procedure to x-ray the pancreatic duct, hepatic duct, common bile duct, duodenal papilla, and gallbladder. In this procedure, a thin, lighted tube (endoscope) is passed through the mouth and down into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). A smaller tube (catheter) is then inserted through the endoscope into the bile and pancreatic ducts. A dye is injected through the catheter into the ducts, and an x-ray is taken.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography: A procedure to x-ray the hepatic and common bile ducts. A contrasting agent is injected into the liver or bile duct, and the ducts are then x-rayed to find the point of obstruction. Also called PTC.

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Radiation therapy: Treatment that uses x-rays and other sources of radiation to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Treatment with anticancer drugs.

Radiosensitizers: Drugs that make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation.

Palliative Therapy: Treatment given to relieve symptoms caused by advanced cancer. Palliative therapy does not alter the course of a disease but improves the quality of life.