What is Gallbladder Cancer?
Gallbladder cancer is a rare malignancy that begins in the cells of the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver that stores bile.
Risk Factors
- Age (over 65)
- Female gender
- Gallstones and chronic inflammation
- Family history
- Obesity
- Porcelain gallbladder
Signs and Symptoms
Early Symptoms
- Abdominal pain, especially in upper right portion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Later Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Dark urine and light-colored stools
Diagnosis
Initial Assessment
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
Confirmatory Tests
- Biopsy
- Staging investigations
- Tumor marker tests
Treatment Options
Surgery
- Simple cholecystectomy
- Radical cholecystectomy
- Palliative surgery
Other Treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy
Prognosis and Outlook
Prognosis depends on:
- Cancer stage at diagnosis
- Tumor size and spread
- Patient's overall health
- Response to treatment
Living with Gallbladder Cancer
Lifestyle Modifications
- Balanced diet
- Regular exercise as tolerated
- Stress management
- Regular medical follow-up
Support Resources
- Support groups
- Counseling services
- Patient advocacy organizations
- Financial assistance programs