Questions to Ask About Gallbladder Cancer

What type of gallbladder cancer do I have?

What did my pathology report show?

How large is the tumor?

What grade is my cancer?

Has the cancer spread outside the gallbladder?

Should my case be reviewed by a multidisciplinary cancer team?

Should I get a second opinion at a center experienced in hepatobiliary cancers?

What stage is my gallbladder cancer?

Has it spread to the liver?

Are nearby lymph nodes involved?

Has the cancer spread to distant organs?

What imaging tests do I need?

Is my cancer considered resectable or unresectable?

Am I a candidate for surgery?

What type of operation would I need?

Will part of my liver need to be removed?

Will lymph nodes be removed?

What are the risks of surgery?

How long will recovery take?

What is the likelihood of removing all the cancer?

Will I need chemotherapy or radiation after surgery?

Do you recommend chemotherapy?

Which medications would I receive?

What is the goal of treatment?

How long will treatment last?

What side effects should I expect?

How will we know whether treatment is working?

What happens if the cancer progresses?

Am I eligible for immunotherapy?

Would durvalumab or pembrolizumab be appropriate for me?

Would immunotherapy be combined with chemotherapy?

What side effects should I watch for?

How long would immunotherapy continue?

Do I have any medical conditions that could affect my eligibility?

Has my tumor undergone comprehensive molecular profiling?

Was my tumor tested for HER2 alterations?

Do I have any actionable mutations?

Are there targeted therapies that might work for my cancer?

Should I consider a molecularly targeted clinical trial?

What does my cancer stage mean for my prognosis?

Is the goal of treatment to cure the cancer or control its growth?

What factors are most important in predicting my outcome?

How might my prognosis change depending on treatment response?

What symptoms should prompt me to contact your office?

Are there clinical trials available for my type of gallbladder cancer?

Would a clinical trial be appropriate now or after standard treatment?

Are there studies available at other cancer centers?

What are the potential benefits and risks?

Would participation require travel?

How can I manage abdominal pain?

What should I do if I develop jaundice?

Can I meet with an oncology dietitian?

What can help with nausea and appetite loss?

Should I see a palliative care specialist?

Are there resources for financial or transportation assistance?

What support is available for my family?