Overview
Gallbladder cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that begins in the gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen. It stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallbladder cancer is rare, and most cases are discovered at a late stage when the prognosis is often poor. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). The exact cause of gallbladder cancer is unknown, but it is believed to result from mutations in the DNA of healthy gallbladder cells. Risk factors include being female, older, having a history of gallstones, and having other gallbladder diseases or conditions.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Symptoms of gallbladder cancer may include abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right portion of the abdomen, abdominal bloating, and losing weight without trying. Other possible symptoms include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing gallbladder cancer include being female, increasing age, a history of gallstones, polyps, chronic inflammation or infection, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Gallbladder cancer is more common in women, and the risk increases with age. People with a history of gallstones or other gallbladder conditions like polyps, chronic inflammation, or infection are also at a higher risk. Primary sclerosing cholangitis, which causes inflammation of the bile ducts, can also increase the risk of gallbladder cancer.
Development
Gallbladder cancer begins when healthy cells in the gallbladder undergo changes (mutations) in their DNA. These mutations cause the cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Gallbladder cancer most commonly starts in the glandular cells that line the inner surface of the gallbladder. This type of cancer is called adenocarcinoma. There are different types of gallbladder cancer based on the specific cells or tissues where the cancer originates. However, the vast majority of gallbladder cancers are adenocarcinomas. Other rare types of gallbladder cancer include sarcomas, lymphomas, and carcinoid tumors. Risk factors for gallbladder cancer include being female, older age, a history of gallstones, and other gallbladder diseases or conditions such as polyps, chronic inflammation, or infection. It's important to note that while gallstones are associated with a higher risk of gallbladder cancer, most people with gallstones do not develop the disease.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms of gallbladder cancer, such as abdominal pain, bloating, losing weight without trying, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
Diagnosis
To diagnose gallbladder cancer, your doctor may recommend the following tests and procedures:
- Blood tests: Blood tests to evaluate your liver function can help determine the cause of your signs and symptoms.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can create pictures of the gallbladder to detect any abnormalities.
- Exploratory surgery: Your doctor may recommend surgery to look inside your abdomen for signs that gallbladder cancer has spread.
- Additional imaging tests: Common scans like a CT and MRI scans of the abdomen and chest may be performed to determine whether the cancer has spread or remains localized. Based on the results of these tests, your doctor can assign your cancer a stage, which helps determine your prognosis and treatment options.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Complications of gallbladder cancer can include:
- Spread (metastasis) of cancer: Gallbladder cancer can spread to nearby organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and small intestine, making treatment more difficult.
- Blockage of the bile ducts: Cancerous tumors can obstruct the bile ducts, causing jaundice, abdominal pain, and infection.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Cancer treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy, can lead to malnutrition due to difficulty in digesting and absorbing nutrients.
- Infection: Surgery or other treatments for gallbladder cancer can increase the risk of infection.
- Liver failure: In advanced stages of gallbladder cancer, the liver may become damaged due to the spread of cancer cells, leading to liver failure. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any signs or symptoms of gallbladder cancer, such as abdominal pain or bloating, as early detection and treatment can improve the chances of successful management and recovery.
Prevention
regarding the prevention of gallbladder cancer.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice on managing gallbladder cancer.
Treatment
The treatments for gallbladder cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. These treatments aim to remove or destroy cancer cells and may be used in various combinations depending on the stage and severity of the cancer. However, the effectiveness of treatment options depends on the specific situation, and it's essential to consult with a medical professional for personalized guidance.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for gallbladder cancer, you should:
- Make an appointment with your family doctor if you have signs or symptoms that worry you. If your doctor suspects gallbladder cancer, you may be referred to a specialist.
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, such as dietary restrictions.
- List your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including recent changes or stressors.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements that you're taking, including doses.
- Bring a relative or friend along to help you remember the information provided during the appointment.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, including:
- What is my stage of gallbladder cancer?
- Can you explain the pathology report to me? Can I have a copy of my pathology report?
- Will I need more tests?
- What are the treatment options for my gallbladder cancer?
- What are the benefits and risks of each option?
- Consider advance directives and designating a medical power of attorney to ensure your medical wishes are known and respected. Remember to bring copies of your medical records to the appointment, especially if you're seeing a new doctor for the first time. Also, request that any scans or images from other facilities be placed on a CD and brought to the appointment.