Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer causes

• Long-term gallbladder inflammation
• Presence of gallstones, especially large ones
• Gallbladder polyps
• Infections like salmonella
• Congenital abnormalities of the bile ducts

Gallbladder Cancer risk factors

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing gallbladder cancer:

• Being female
• Older age, especially over 65
• Having gallstones or chronic gallbladder disease
• Obesity
• A family history of gallbladder or biliary tract cancer
• Exposure to toxic chemicals or smoking

Gallbladder Cancer symptoms

Symptoms often appear later in the disease and may resemble other digestive conditions.

• Upper right abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss without trying
• A feeling of fullness or bloating

Gallbladder Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually involves a combination of imaging tests, blood work and sometimes tissue sampling

• Ultrasound to evaluate the gallbladder
• CT scan or MRI to look for tumors or spread
• Blood tests for liver function and tumor markers
• Biopsy, sometimes during surgery
• Endoscopic procedures like ERCP

Gallbladder cancer treatment

Treatment plans vary depending on stage, spread and patient health.

• Surgical removal of the gallbladder
• Liver resection or removal of bile ducts if cancer has spread
• Chemotherapy to treat advanced cases
• Radiation therapy to target difficult areas
• Palliative support for comfort in late stages

When to seek care

See a doctor if you have persistent abdominal pain, changes in digestion or yellowing of the skin. Early evaluation is especially important if you have gallbladder problems or other risk factors.

• Unexplained pain in the upper right abdomen
• Nausea, vomiting or feeling bloated after eating
• Signs of jaundice
• History of gallstones or gallbladder surgery with abnormal findings