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Gallbladder Cancer Center - Des Moines, IA

Des Moines Oncologist Doctors for Gallbladder Cancer

Type of Physician: Oncologist

What is a Oncologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; the oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. These subspecialists decide on and administer chemotherapy as well as consult with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatment for cancer.

Specialty: Oncology (Medical)

Common Name: Cancer Doctor

Oncologist Doctors in Des Moines *

Medical Oncology & Hematology Associates
Angela E Sandre
411 Laurel St
STE 300 A
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 247-3970

Mercy Medical Center
Jan Franko
1111 6th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 643-2084

McFarland Clinic Oncology
Debra M Prow
1215 Duff Ave
William R Bliss Cancer Ctr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-4401

Des Moines, Iowa

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Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the gallbladder.

Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that lies just under the liver in the upper abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid made by the liver to digest fat. When food is being broken down in the stomach and intestines, bile is released from the gallbladder through a tube called the common bile duct, which connects the gallbladder and liver to the first part of the small intestine.

The wall of the gallbladder has 3 main layers of tissue.

  • Mucosal (innermost) layer.
  • Muscularis (middle, muscle) layer.
  • Serosal (outer) layer.

Between these layers is supporting connective tissue. Primary gallbladder cancer starts in the innermost layer and spreads through the outer layers as it grows.

Being female can increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer.

Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors for gallbladder cancer include the following:

  • Being female.
  • Being Native American.

Possible signs of gallbladder cancer include jaundice, pain, and fever.

These and other symptoms may be caused by gallbladder cancer. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
  • Pain above the stomach.
  • Fever.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Bloating.
  • Lumps in the abdomen.

Gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect (find) and diagnose early.

Gallbladder cancer is difficult to detect and diagnos...

Recommended Reading Related to Gallbladder Cancer

Laparoscopy »

How is the procedure performed?

Three or more small (5-10 mm) incisions are made in the abdomen to allow access ports to be inserted. The laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these ports. The surgeon then uses the laparoscope, which transmits a picture of the abdominal organs on a video monitor, allowing the operation to be performed.

Laparoscopic intestinal surgery can be used to perform the following operations:

  • Proctosigmoidectomy. Surgical removal of a diseased section of the rectum and sigmoid colon. Used to treat cancers and noncancerous growths or polyps, and complications of diverticulitis.
  • Right colectomy or Ileocolectomy. During a right colectomy, the right side of the colon is removed. During an ileocolectomy, the last segment of the small intestine - which is attached to the right side of the colon, called the ileum, is also removed. Used to remove cancers, noncancerous growths or po...

Emergency Contact for Des Moines

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Des Moines Hospitals *

Mercy Medical Center Des Moines
1111 6th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515)247-3121

Iowa Lutheran Hospital
700 E University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515)263-5612

Blank Children's Hospital
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)241-5437

Iowa Methodist Medical Center
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)241-6212

Broadlawns Medical Center
1801 Hickman Rd
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515)282-2200

VA Central Iowa Health Care Des Moines
3600 30th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515)699-5999

Mercy Franklin Center
1818 48th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515)271-6000

Madison County Healthcare System
300 Hutchings St
Winterset, IA 50273
(515)462-2373

Dallas County Hospital
610 Tenth St
Perry, IA 50220
(515)465-3547

Skiff Medical Center
204 N Fourth Ave E
Newton, IA 50208
(641)792-1273

Story County Medical Center
630 Sixth St
Nevada, IA 50201
(515)382-2111

Mary Greeley Medical Center
1111 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515)239-2011

VA Central Iowa Health Care Knoxville
1515 W Pleasant St
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641)842-3101

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics
1002 S Lincoln St
Knoxville, IA 50138
(641)842-2151

Boone County Hospital
1015 Union St
Boone, IA 50036
(515)432-3140

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