Program Operations Manual System (POMS)
TN 35 (08-20)
COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCES INFORMATION
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GALLBLADDER CANCER
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ALTERNATE NAMES
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Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma; Gallbladder Carcinoma
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DESCRIPTION
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Gallbladder
cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the innermost layer of the
gallbladder and then spread through the outer layers. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped
organ below the liver that collects and stores bile (a fluid made by the liver to
digest fat).
Risk factors for gallbladder cancer are greatest for females and American Indian persons.
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, PHYSICAL FINDINGS, AND ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM CODING
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Diagnostic testing: Gallbladder cancer is diagnosed with:
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Blood tests including liver function tests, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay,
and CA 19-9 assay;
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Computerized tomography (CT) scan;
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI);
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Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA);
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Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC);
Physical findings: Individuals with gallbladder cancer may present with:
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Palpable mass in the right upper quadrant;
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Periumbilical lymphadenopathy;
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Left supraclavicular adenopathy; and
Other symptoms may include:
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Fever, nausea and vomiting;
ICD-9: 156.00
ICD-10: C22.1
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PROGRESSION
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Gallbladder cancer can invade the liver or it can disseminate into lymph nodes or
can spread as intra-peritoneal metastases.
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TREATMENT
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Gallbladder cancer can be cured only if the disease is found before it has spread,
and it can be removed by surgery.
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SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*
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Suggested MER for Evaluation:
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Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features of the impairment;
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Imaging (e.g. x-ray, MRI, MRA, CT scans);
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Results of ultrasound testing;
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Results of blood chemistry testing;
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Suggested Listings for Evaluation:
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DETERMINATION
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LISTING
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REMARKS
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Meets
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13.19
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Gallbladder cancer meets the criteria in 13.19.
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Equals
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* Adjudicators may, at their discretion, use the Medical Evidence of Record or the
listings suggested to evaluate the claim. However, the decision to allow or deny the
claim rests with the adjudicator.
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